The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, has raised alarm over the increasing spate of kidnappings and killings of local farmers in his domain by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement issued through the Crown Otota (Iyase) of the kingdom, Uzzi Obriki, and made available to journalists in Asaba, Delta State, the monarch strongly condemned what he described as ?unprovoked attacks and senseless killings? of innocent farmers in the area.

HRM Whiskey lamented that the violent attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, threatening food security and livelihoods in the community.

He called on both the Federal and Delta State governments, as well as security agencies, to intervene urgently before the situation escalates further.

?The situation has created fear and distrust among the people, and we believe that immediate action is required to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the farmers and residents,? he said.

?There is urgent need to relocate the herdsmen from our kingdom, as the people can no longer coexist with them due to their criminal activities.?

The monarch also appealed for the provision of relief materials to support the affected families and called for enhanced security patrols, particularly along the border between Idjerhe Kingdom and neighbouring Edo State.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has made a breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with operatives of Dragon Patrol arresting four members of a six-man kidnapping gang during a stop-and-search operation.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the arrest, disclosing that the suspects hail from Yobe, Taraba, and Kano states.

He revealed that a total of N3m was recovered from the suspects during the operation.

?Upon interrogation and investigation, the suspects confessed that the money was part of the ransom collected from a young girl they kidnapped in Agbarho; they even used a wooden gun to carry out the kidnapping,? Edafe said.

The victim was reportedly held for three days before being released after her family paid a N4 million ransom.

The recent developments have sparked widespread concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of Delta State, with community leaders and residents calling for more decisive action from authorities. (The Guardian)

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