Over 500 women from Ozoro in the Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, decrying the continuous destruction of their farmlands and crops by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.
The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages like “Fulani herdsmen leave our farms”, “Your cows are destroying our crops”, and “Our lives are in danger”, marched through major streets and eventually converged at the council secretariat to voice their frustrations. Holding green leaves as symbols of peace, the women appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the council chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, to urgently intervene.
They expressed fear for their safety, saying they could no longer protect their farms without risking attacks from herdsmen. For many of the women, farming remains their sole source of livelihood and the means to support their families and educate their children.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, some of the protesters lamented the extent of the damage, noting that the cows not only eat but also uproot their crops, including cassava and yams.
Responding to the protest, Council Chairman Godwin Ogorugba commended the women for maintaining peace and order during the demonstration. He assured them that their concerns were valid and would be addressed.
“These are peace-loving women of Isoko North,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that some herders have refused to respect the state’s anti-open grazing law. We have heard your concerns, and action will be taken. Food insecurity affects everyone, and if farmers cannot work safely, none of us can function.”
Ogorugba emphasized that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, is committed to tackling security issues. He revealed that the governor had recently directed all local council chairmen to take proactive steps in safeguarding their communities.
Using the opportunity, Ogorugba warned the herdsmen to stop damaging farms and respect local laws, stating, “We were elected to protect lives, property, and livelihoods. Destruction of farms must end.”
