Herdsmen kill 45-yr-old farmer in Delta

RESIDENTS of Ossissa community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of a 45-year-old farmer by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

The incident which happened on Thursday was among other series of attacks on local farmers by herdsmen in recent times in the state.

It was gathered that the victim, identified as Mr. Nwadei Ikechukwu, was returning home from his farm on a motorcycle when he was gunned down.

The incident has raised tension among local residents of the area as all Fulani herdsmen have allegedly fled the area for safety.

The wife of the deceased, Mrs. Priscilia Nwadei (née Egugbo) who was nursing a two-month old baby was still in a coma following the incident.

The deceased’s brother, Mr. Augustine Nwadie, told our correspondent, “My brother was on his way from the farm when he was shot on Thursday morning and killed. At the moment, we are at a loss on the next step to take as we have reported the case to the police.”

Findings showed that the residents of the area and herdsmen had been having a running battle over the alleged abduction of two  persons in the locality.

A community source said, “A lawyer and another person were kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen, and the deceased unfortunately passed through the kidnappers’ den and was killed. The lawyer was driving a Sports Utility Vehicle and after paying the ransom, he was freed. He (the lawyer) confirmed that he witnessed the killing.”

A former Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Aneke Ifemeni, who confirmed the incident, expressed deep shock at the killing.

The ex-lawmaker said, “Between Ossissa and Isselegu junction, I encountered Fulani herdsmen when I was travelling to my village, Onicha-Ukwuani. They opened fire on me but God saw me through.”

The spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Celestine Kalu, confirmed the incident saying it was already being investigated.

Kalu told our correspondent that no suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing.