Fulani herdsmen and youths in Umunor community, Ossissa Kingdom in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, on Monday, exchanged gun fire, leading to serious tension.
Though the casualty figure between both parties was still unknown at the moment, but it was learnt that the gun battle followed a failed attempt by some suspected herdsmen to invade the community.
A security source told Punch that a security post has been stationed in the area following the intervention of the council chairman and the police area commander who visited the village on Tuesday morning.
“We don’t know if any casualty was recorded during Monday’s incident but there was a heavy exchange of gun fire between herdsmen and residents of Umunor community. Our men have been drafted there to maintain the peace.
“Ndokwa East council chairman in company with the Police Area Commander in the area visited the community today (Tuesday) to ascertain the situation in the area. Both parties were told to halt further hostilities,” the source said.
The council chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, who confirmed the shooting in the area, said security men had been deployed to curtail further hostilities between both parties.
Chukwurah, who also confirmed visiting Umunor and other villages said, “The people want the herdsmen to leave their land. Many of them deserted their homes while some slept at the palace of the traditional ruler in the area.
“They are complaining they can’t go to their farms any longer because of fear of being attacked. As a result, they have no food to eat. Farming is the major occupation of my people.”
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