The Uduophori community in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State erupted in chaos on Monday as enraged residents blocked the only access road, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill for hours. The protest was triggered by the brutal attack on a 28-year-old motorcyclist, Freedom Akpodiete, whose hand was amputated by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Akpodiete, a father of two and the sole provider for his family, was ambushed alongside his aged widowed mother while transporting a passenger to the community. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers dragged him into the forest before inflicting the life-altering injury.
Angry protesters stormed the streets, waving leaves and holding placards with messages such as: “Fulani Leave Us Alone,” “Stop Raping Our Wives and Daughters,” “President Tinubu, Rescue Us from Fulani Killings,” and “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Save Us from Herdsmen Bondage.”
Addressing journalists, the President General of Uduophori, ThankGod Ado, expressed deep frustration over the persistent invasion of their land by herdsmen. He decried the unchecked violence, destruction of farmlands, and the reign of terror inflicted on the people.
“For years, these herdsmen have made life unbearable for us. The latest attack, where they amputated the hand of our brother, is one too many. Our people can no longer go to their farms because of constant attacks, rapes, and ransom demands. They uproot our cassava to feed their cows and even break into our shops to steal foodstuffs. Enough is enough! The government must act now before we are wiped out,” Ado fumed.
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Elderly community members, including 85-year-old Pa Benjamin Obotorino, recounted years of suffering under the grip of these attackers. “For over 15 years, we have lived in fear. Their cows no longer graze on grass—they feast on our yams, cassava, and other crops. They kill, rape, and maim without consequences. Even our men are not spared. We have had to pay between N80,000 and N100,000 to secure the release of kidnapped women, who are often raped before they are freed. How long will we endure this horror?” he lamented.
Women leader Mrs. London Edith broke down in tears as she pleaded for immediate government intervention, saying, “We can no longer live with these strangers who have turned our land into a war zone.”
A resident, Henry Emaduku, recalled previous attacks, noting that this is not an isolated incident. “In 2023, herdsmen attacked our brother Oghenegarhe Asadera and amputated his hand. In 2024, they targeted the head teacher of our primary school. Now in 2025, they have done the same to Mr. Freeborn Akpodiete. What’s worse, these herdsmen have taken over our Primary School 3, forcing its closure. How can we continue like this? The government must step in now,” he urged.
As the outcry intensifies, residents are demanding immediate action from the federal, state, and local governments to end the cycle of violence and reclaim their land from the grip of armed herdsmen.
