Women in Oviri Olomu Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have declared a sex strike and staged a protest at the Ughelli Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, demanding urgent intervention over continued attacks by suspected herdsmen.
The women who thronged the police command in their dozens on Tuesday, in a peaceful demonstration, decrying what they described as years of terror, rape, and destruction allegedly carried out by armed herders in their once-peaceful agrarian community.
The women say they will no longer cook, engage in intimacy with their husbands, or participate in market activities until concrete steps are taken to secure their lives and land.
“For too long, we have endured in silence,” said Esther Monday, a community woman leader. “They rape our women and our guests. Our husbands can no longer go to the bush or farm because it is no longer safe. That is why we are on strike — no food, no sex, no peace until something is done.”
Austin Etata, a former secretary general of the community, confirmed the action, stating: “Our women made it clear—no cooking, no intimacy, and no trading until government and security agencies act. That’s why we are here today at the Ughelli Area Command.”
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Etata described the situation as dire, saying suspected herdsmen have turned Oviri Olomu into a den of kidnappers and rapists. “There’s a particular bush path where no one can pass anymore because of frequent kidnappings. They destroy our cassava farms to feed their cows. If our men challenge them, they bring out guns and machetes.”
Community Vice President Emmanuel George also lent his voice: “We are tired. These herdsmen are claiming ownership of our land and threatening to kill our people. When our women plead with them, they threaten to cut their necks. We can’t take this anymore.”
The protesters are calling on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the police authorities to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law and end the siege on their community.
Addressing the protesters, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ughelli ‘A’ Division assured the community that their complaints would be looked into and promised that necessary actions would be taken.
“We understand your pain and frustration. The police will not ignore your cries,” the DPO said. “We will convene a peace meeting between the Fulani leaders and your community leaders as soon as possible to foster understanding and restore peace.”
