For the people of Emu-Ebendo community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, farming is far more than an occupation; it is the foundation of their livelihoods and the heartbeat of the community’s economy.
What used to be routine trips to plantations and farmlands are now, according to residents, being undertaken with fear, as reports of encounters with armed men suspected to be herdsmen continue to unsettle the community.
The latest incidents heightened tension in the community, as the people expressed concern about their safety in the farmlands.
Last week, a farmer reportedly escaped an alleged attack after encountering a group of herdsmen in the bush while on his way to the farm.
Chairman of Emu-Ebendo Vigilante team, Mr. Fidelis Ikosa told NDV that the man was riding his Cargo tricycle to convey cassava from a farm when he allegedly sighted some armed herdsmen, in the bush.
“He went to the bush to convey cassava. On his way to the farm, he saw a group of herdsmen coming out of the bush and they started pursuing the two men in the Keke (Motorcycle cargo trailer). They now jumped out of the keke and started calling us on the phone”, he said.
He said before they could get to the place, the tricycle had been set ablaze
Ikosa said: “When we got there, we saw the keke burning. The place was close to an earth pond, so we fetched water from the pond to put out the fire.”
But while residents were still grappling with the incident, another alleged attack occurred on Monday 14th September, 2026 as a rubber tapper, Mr. John Ogoro was allegedly shot by assailants suspected to be herdsmen.
