There is apprehension in Umunor community, Ossissa Kingdom in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State following an exchange of gun fire between suspected Fulani herdsmen and youths from the area late Monday.
Although, it was not clear if there was any casualty between both parties, it was learnt that the exchange of gun shots followed a failed attempt by some suspected herdsmen to invade the community.
Sources in the community told our correspondent on Tuesday that many residents are fleeing the area to neighbouring villages for safety.
It was learnt that if not for the intervention of security agencies, the situation would have escalated into a full blown crisis.
A security source who confirmed the development to our correspondent said 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 told our correspondent.
The council chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, when contacted on the telephone confirmed Monday’s shooting in the area but said security men had been deployed in the area 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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