Residents of Ibusa community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, have raised alarm over the continued invasion of their farms by Fulani herdsmen, describing the situation as a serious threat to both livelihoods and personal safety.

According to the villagers, herdsmen have, for several months, been destroying farmlands, intimidating locals, and trespassing on ancestral lands with impunity. Despite repeated complaints, the community’s traditional ruler and the local government chairman have allegedly remained silent, leaving residents feeling helpless.

Farmers from various quarters, including Umueze, Umuodafe, Umuekea, Atu-Farm Road, and Ogbeowele, expressed frustration that local security outfits are unwilling to confront the herders, who are reportedly receiving backing from the palace. “If you challenge the herdsmen, you risk attack and even sanctions from the palace,” one farmer lamented.

Residents claim that the crisis escalated after the monarch handed over cows — originally donated by indigenes and well-wishers — to Fulani herders for rearing. “The king now protects the Fulani herdsmen because they rear his cows. They destroy our farms, threaten our lives, and no one can intervene,” said Ngozi, a farmer in the community. She warned that gifts of live cows to the traditional ruler have now become a “curse” on the town.

Affected farmers, including Onowu Sunday Otomah, Oranebo Endurance, and Joshua Peremobowei, estimate that the destruction of crops and plants has resulted in losses exceeding N5 million. They have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, and concerned indigenes to urgently intervene.

Attempts to reach the traditional council and the monarch for comment were unsuccessful, as palace aides declined to speak and calls to the ruler went unanswered.

Residents of Ibusa are now calling for immediate action to protect their farms and restore safety in the community before the situation escalates further.