:UMUNEDE: The escalating insecurity in Ikaland, particularly in communities such as Umunede, Igbodo, and Mbiri, Ute, Akwumazi umuocha and surrounding communities has become a source of deep concern for the residents, who are now living in constant fear. The region, once known for its peaceful communities and thriving agricultural economy, is now plagued by the activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen.
These individuals have been linked to frequent kidnappings, killings, and other violent crimes that have left the locals terrified and uncertain about their safety. The situation has reached a critical point, as the fear of being attacked has led many to abandon their farms, avoid traveling home, and question whether their communities will ever return to the peaceful state they once enjoyed.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the violence in Ikaland is the frequency and brutality of the attacks. In February this year, two young men had their hands cut off by suspected Fulani herdsmen, an act that has left the community in shock and disbelief. Such extreme violence is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of attacks that has plagued the region for some time. These attacks have not only been violent but also highly targeted, with individuals, families, and entire communities being forced to live in fear.
The cycle of violence has affected nearly every aspect of life in Ikaland. The once-thriving farming communities, which were the backbone of the local economy, are now largely abandoned as people refuse to go to their farms out of fear of being kidnapped, killed, or attacked by armed assailants.
The fear of traveling to and from the farms has created a sense of paralysis in the region, as agriculture – a key source of livelihood for many – has been severely impacted. Many people now find themselves unable to support themselves and their families due to the pervasive fear and violence that has overtaken their lives.
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In addition to the widespread fear of violence, the kidnappings that have occurred in Ikaland in recent months have added another layer of trauma to the already difficult situation. The most harrowing incident occurred in January when two sisters and a baby were kidnapped along the Umunede-Ute Erumu road.
The victims were held captive for several days, during which time the kidnappers demanded a ransom for their release. The family, desperate to get their loved ones back, had no choice but to pay the ransom. The ordeal of being held captive for days, along with the emotional and financial toll of the ransom demand, has left the victims and their families deeply traumatized.
This is not the first kidnapping to occur in the region, and it is unlikely to be the last. The pattern of abductions and ransom demands has become a regular occurrence in Ikaland, with each new case adding to the growing fear and mistrust among the residents. The recent kidnapping of Junior Obuseh, a young man who had returned from Europe to lay his late father to rest, further fueled this sense of insecurity. His abduction not only shocked the community but also raised serious concerns about the safety of those who return to the region after living abroad. The fact that no one – not even those with ties to the community is safe from abduction has shaken the faith of many in the ability of the authorities to protect them.
The mounting violence and insecurity have pushed the people of Ikaland to take matters into their own hands. In one dramatic act of protest, the youth from Mbiri marched to Umunede, taking drastic action by setting fire to the Hausa quarters in the town. This act of destruction was a response to the growing frustration and anger that the local youth felt as they watched their communities suffer in silence. The attack on the Hausa quarters, though tragic, underscored the desperation of a people who feel that their concerns are not being addressed and that their security is no longer guaranteed by the state.
The local leadership, particularly the Obi of Umunede, Obi Agadagidi 1 JPThe obi of Umunede has made efforts to address the situation. Last year, he gathered with the royal chiefs and elders of the kingdom at the Umunede royal palace to hold a meeting in which they laid curses on those responsible for the violence and killings in the region. They condemned the actions of the kidnappers and the criminals who have wreaked havoc on the community. The royal family’s efforts to invoke traditional power to bring about change, however, have proven ineffective in stemming the tide of violence that continues to grip the region.
One of the most concerning aspects of the insecurity in Ikaland is the inability of the police and other security agencies to restore order. Despite numerous reports of kidnappings, killings, and other violent crimes, there has been little action from the authorities to address the growing crisis. The police seem to be incapacitated in dealing with the rising tide of violence, leaving the residents feeling vulnerable and exposed to the dangers of criminal activity. The presence of security personnel in the region has not been enough to deter the criminals, who continue to carry out their attacks with impunity.
The failure of the security forces to tackle the problem of insecurity in Ikaland has led many to question the effectiveness of the existing security structures. While the local vigilantes have done their best to assist in protecting the communities, they are often outmatched and outgunned by the criminals, who have become increasingly organized and ruthless in their methods. The fact that the vigilantes are unable to deal with the growing menace of kidnappers and violent criminals speaks to the need for greater coordination between the police, military, and local security forces to combat this rising threat.
The inability of the police to restore security has led many residents to flee the area in search of safer places to live. Many people have abandoned their homes, businesses, and farms, choosing to relocate to neighboring towns and cities where they feel they will be better protected. This mass exodus from Ikaland has taken a toll on the local economy, as businesses have closed down and agricultural production has declined. The community is now struggling to survive, with little hope for a brighter future unless significant changes are made to address the root causes of the insecurity.
The situation in Ikaland has reached a breaking point. The people are tired of living in fear, and they are demanding immediate action from the authorities to restore security to the region. The locals want better coordination between security agencies, the strengthening of local vigilante groups, and a clear plan of action to ensure that justice is served to those responsible for the kidnappings and killings. Until these measures are taken, the insecurity in Ikaland will continue to undermine the peace and prosperity of the region, leaving its residents trapped in a cycle of fear and violence that seems impossible to escape.
culled and written by Elvis Ogboi
