Women from four communities of Nkpoghoro, Ugwuegu, Ohaisu and Itim in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi Monday protested against constant destruction of their farmlands by herders.
The women took to the streets of Afikpo town chanting songs with sticks in their hands, expressing their grievances on the high rate of destruction of their farm products by Fulani herdsmen.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Madam Ogwu Idume, lamented on the state of their rice and cassava farms, including the streams which is the source of drinking water in the farm areas.
She said several efforts have been made previously through discussions with the head of the Hausa and Fulani community in Afikpo with no results.
The protesters went to the Area Command office of the Nigerian Police, to the palace of Ezeogo Ewa Elechi ,Eke Market and local government council headquarters.
Addressing the people, chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Obiageri Oko-enyim, represented by the development center coordinator of Afikpo North, Mrs. Amuche Otunta Godwin, noted that farmers, headers issue is a national issue.
She attempted to calm down the women as she explained that violence has never solved any problem. She appreciated the peaceful protest and charged them to go home and stop further protest.
She said, “As women in government, we will approach the issue at the state level.”
