Residents of Egbo-Kokori, a community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, have taken to the streets in protest, alleging widespread violence and sexual assault by suspected herdsmen.

In a demonstration outside the Ughelli Police Area Command, community members, including elderly women, men, and youths, voiced their frustration over what they described as the unchecked destruction of farmlands, displacement of residents, and sexual violence against women.

Holding leafy branches and chanting in unison, the protesters demanded urgent government intervention.

“Our women no longer go to their farms for fear of being raped,” a community leader by the name Albert Oghenekparobor, said
“The herdsmen destroy our crops and attack our people. We have endured enough.”

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Another resident, Benson Oshevire, echoed similar grievances. He said, “They assault our wives and daughters, then uproot our cassava to feed their cattle. We are suffering, and the authorities must act.”

The protest follows rising tensions between locals and suspected herdsmen, with residents accusing the security agencies of inaction.

While the community claims to have previously reached an agreement for the herders to leave, tensions resurfaced after fresh allegations of cattle killings led to police intervention.

While the demonstrators stood their ground at the police Area Command, a closed-door meeting was reportedly held between law enforcement and community representatives.

Though no resolutions have been reached, the residents insist on one demand, “We want the killer herdsmen out of our land permanently.”