From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2020 Edo governorship election, Mabel Oboh, yesterday, tasked the state government to urgently tackle the security challenges in Ukhun community in Esan West Local Government Area of the state to save the lives of the inhabitants from starvation and death.
He gave the task in her statement titled: Urgent call to action: Fulani herdsmen attacks devastate Esanland and made available to Journalists in Benin.
Recall that herdsmen last week invaded the community, killing one person and injuring several others.
Oboh said the recent incidents involving alleged attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Ukhun, located within the Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have raised significant concerns and prompted widespread outrage.
The former governorship candidate and now the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said governor Monday Okpebholo must rise up to mitigate the harmful impact of these Fulani herdsmen assaults on the Esan community.
“The increasing frequency and severity of these attacks have instilled a pervasive sense of fear among the Esan populace.
“Farmers in the community face threats of murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence, which hinder their ability to cultivate their land.
“Consequently, the resulting food shortages and economic difficulties are exacerbating the community’s precarious situation.
“The most recent attack in Ukhun, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, represents yet another instance of violence against our farmers.
“I earnestly appeal to the state government to take decisive action to safeguard the lives and assets of the Esan people”, Oboh said.
Oboh, while giving what she thinks might be the solution to the problem, which is banning of the open grazing, said the people’s sources of livelihoods are now being threatened and something urgently has to be done about it.
“I advocate for the Edo state government to prohibit open grazing and adopt ranching practices, which have historically proven effective.
“The government must address the underlying causes of the conflict between herders and farmers, rather than allowing the situation to continue unresolved.
“The residents of Esanland urgently seek assistance. Immediate measures are required to tackle this escalating crisis.
“As the situation continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the people of Esanland can no longer wait for help.
“We desperately need urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life and livelihoods.
“The state government must heed our cry for help without delay; time is of the essence”, Oboh said.