AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE ON THE PLIGHT OF OBIARUKU FARMERS

10th March, 2025

His Excellency,

Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori 

Governor of Delta State,

Government House, Asaba, Delta State.

Your Excellency,

With utmost urgency and deep concern, I write to draw your attention to the worsening insecurity in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where the people—who are predominantly farmers—are facing an existential threat due to the activities of armed Fulani herdsmen. The situation has become unbearable, and urgent intervention is needed before the community is completely devastated.

For decades, Obiaruku has thrived as an agrarian community, contributing significantly to food production in Delta State. However, this heritage is now under siege. Armed herdsmen have forcefully taken over farmlands, destroyed crops, and unleashed terror on farmers who attempt to resist. Entire farms have been ravaged by uncontrolled cattle grazing, and whenever farmers try to reclaim their lands, they are met with brutal attacks. The people of Obiaruku now live in fear, unable to cultivate their lands, thereby plunging the community into untold hardship and food insecurity.

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE AND TERROR 

The aggression from these armed herdsmen is not new, but their activities have escalated in recent months. Time would fail me if I begin to give account of people who have died from the activities of herdsmen in Obiaruku farmlands in the past. Just today, dredgers and women crossing the River Ethiope were held hostage for hours, forced to provide supplies to the herdsmen before being released. In another horrifying incident last two weeks, some men who were swimming in the river at Umusume quarters in Obiaruku were ambushed and attacked with gunfire. One young man lost his life, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a recurrent pattern of violence that has left many families mourning their loved ones.

The situation in Obiaruku has reached a crisis point. Many farmers have abandoned their lands, unable to bear the threat of death. Hunger now looms over the community, as the destruction of crops means there is little to no food left for families. Those who dare to venture into the farms do so at great risk, often facing intimidation or outright violence from armed herdsmen.

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT 

The consequences of these persistent attacks extend beyond the immediate victims. The entire community is reeling from economic hardship. Farming, which has been the backbone of Obiaruku’s economy, is collapsing. Families that once lived off their agricultural produce now struggle to survive. The cost of food is rising as farm produce diminishes, affecting not just Obiaruku but the entire region.

Beyond the economic impact, the social fabric of the community is being eroded. Fear and uncertainty dominate daily life. The once peaceful community is now gripped by anxiety, with people afraid to travel to their farms or engage in routine activities. The trauma inflicted by these attacks runs deep, and without immediate action, the people of Obiaruku may completely lose their means of sustenance and livelihood.

A Plea for Immediate Action

Your Excellency, the people of Obiaruku are looking up to you for protection and justice. They are citizens of Delta State who deserve the right to live in peace, farm their lands without fear, and contribute to the economic growth of the state. However, their cries have gone unanswered for too long. It is time for decisive action to be taken to end this reign of terror.

I humbly urge you to:

1. Deploy security forces immediately to Obiaruku and its surrounding farmlands to protect farmers and drive out the armed invaders. The people need assurance that their lives and properties are valued and protected by the government.

2. Engage with relevant security agencies and federal authorities to address the menace of armed herdsmen, ensuring that perpetrators of violence are apprehended and prosecuted.

3. Provide relief and support for displaced and affected farmers who have lost their means of livelihood due to these attacks. Food supplies, financial aid, and agricultural support will help them recover.

4. Strictly enforce the anti-open grazing laws to prevent further encroachment and destruction of farmlands. There must be clear regulations on cattle rearing, with violators held accountable.

5. Establish a community-based security network in collaboration with local vigilante groups and traditional rulers to enhance grassroots security and provide early warning systems against potential attacks.

YOUR LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER 

Your Excellency, the people of Obiaruku have endured enough suffering. They are not asking for special privileges—only the right to live peacefully and farm their lands without fear of death or destruction. This is a fundamental human right that the government must protect.

As the leader of Delta State, you have the power to change the narrative. You have the responsibility to uphold justice, safeguard lives, and ensure that communities like Obiaruku do not become abandoned due to insecurity. The people believe in your leadership, and they are pleading with you to act now before more lives are lost.

History will remember the actions taken in this critical moment. May your administration be marked by courage, justice, and the commitment to protecting every citizen of Delta State.

Thank you for your time and consideration. May God grant you wisdom and strength as you lead Delta State to greater heights.

Sincerely,

Franklyn Onyema Okukponor

Obiaruku, Delta State 

alphafrankiest@gmail.com