Abavo Kingdom Cries Out Over Insecurity, Calls for Urgent Government Intervention

The people of Abavo Kingdom in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to the Federal and Delta State Governments to urgently address the worsening insecurity that has disrupted farming activities and threatened livelihoods in the community.

For over four years, residents said repeated attacks by bandits and kidnappers have forced farmers to abandon their farmlands, particularly those situated along the railway corridor, which has allegedly become a hideout for criminal elements.

The persistent violence, according to community sources, has rendered vast portions of fertile land inaccessible, severely reducing agricultural output in what was once regarded as one of the major food-producing communities in Delta State.

Community leaders described the situation as an “agricultural genocide,” warning that many residents can no longer provide food for their families due to fear of being killed, injured or kidnapped while going to their farms.

“Our people are suffering. Farmers can no longer access their land, and many families are struggling to survive. If nothing is done urgently, hunger and poverty will worsen in our kingdom,” a community leader said.

Residents noted that the prolonged insecurity has led to a sharp decline in the production of staple crops such as yam, cassava, plantain, pepper, vegetables and tomatoes, resulting in scarcity in local markets and increased food prices.

They also expressed concern that the crisis is discouraging young people from embracing agriculture, thereby threatening the long-term economic future of the kingdom.

With the planting season already beginning, the people of Abavo called for immediate and coordinated intervention by relevant authorities, including the Delta State Government and the Federal Government.

Among their key demands is the urgent deployment of a joint security task force comprising the military, police and railway security personnel to secure the railway corridor and surrounding communities.

They also requested logistical and operational support for local vigilante groups through the provision of modern equipment and improved intelligence-sharing frameworks to strengthen efforts against criminal activities.

“We need a collaborative security arrangement involving traditional rulers, community stakeholders and government security agencies. That is the only way peace can return to our land,” another resident stated.

The community stressed that urgent action is required to restore peace, protect lives and revive farming activities in the agrarian kingdom.

They warned that failure to address the situation promptly could have serious implications for food security and economic sustainability, not only in Abavo Kingdom but across the entire Ika nation.

In addition, the people appealed to the Delta State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to rehabilitate failed portions of the Abavo/Obiaruku Expressway, describing it as critical to reviving the once-thriving Oyoko Market, which they said has now become a shadow of its former self.

Despite the challenges, residents expressed optimism that with decisive government intervention, peace and normalcy will return, enabling Abavo Kingdom to once again contribute meaningfully to food production and national development.

By Ejime Udueme