By Austin Ogwuda
A Citizen of Ika, Ferdinand Iweriebor of Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Delta, Agbor has cried out over the menacing activities of herdsmen despite Police denial.
He said that “presently, half of Abavo, my homeland, Ute as whole, Ekuku-Agbor, Idumuesa and even part of Agbor metropolis – after Ika Grammar school down to across Express by Untouchable Church are all RED zones”.
Executive Assistant on Communications/Head of the State Orientation Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, had in a statement on Sunday, reaffirmed his earlier position in an interview with Ika based Sleek FM Radio, that the State government was on top of the security challenges including that of the herdsmen menace in the area.
Citizen Ferdinand Iweriebor stated this while reacting to the explanations offered by the Executive Assistant (EA) to the governor on the security situation in Ika.
It is entitled
‘RE: INSECURITY IN IKA LAND; A RESPONSE TO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT (EA) TO THE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE’ which reads in full:
“I greet you, EA.
1. Your response earlier on this matter was most unwelcomed because in that address, you and your office specifically skewed the attacks on Ika nation to be a mere cult clash.
2. To put the records straight, Ika nation is not known to be the hub of cultism in Delta and how you came about the notion attributed to a revered ethnic nationality marvels everyone.
3. If there are no known cases of Fulani onslaught and kidnapping in Ika, and (possibly with local connivance and complicity), why did our respected representative in DTHA, Hon Okoh Festus table the issue a few months ago on the floor of the House?
4. The address beats us hollow as a tribe because the fatality of such address took a swipe on our representative supposedly, and the whole kingdoms of Ika and would eventually wish away the efforts of the people particularly that of Hon Chuky Dandy, who painstakingly drew the attention of the state to that effect. Is that a good complementary reward?
5. If there are no such cases of spurious and brazen kidnapping in Ika nation, should we apologize to the world that a DPO in Abavo did not experience abduction in that enclave?
6. Roughly three days ago, a young man in his prime was allegedly murdered in Abavo while in the farm at Okpe village, the maternal village of His Excellency, Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa. Should we clap for the invaders, marauders and barbaric pillagers of our farmlands?
7. Your statement is denigrating and highly considered an open affront if not an odium on our people.
8. Let me give you benefits of doubt that your tongue was misinterpreted by the press, an arm that your office still work with in parts or all parts of the address but it took you such a pretty time to redress.
9. As at yesterday, I read that at Ute axis, the branch chairman of a vigilante outfit, one Mr Beye on blessed memory now, was hacked down while struggling to rescue kidnapped victims. Did you not hear that again?
10. Presently, half of Abavo, my homeland, Ute as whole, Ekuku-Agbor, Idumuesa and even part of Agbor metropolis – after Ika Grammar school down to across express by Untouchable church are all RED zones. Who did we offend. Won’t we move again?
11. Tell your principal, our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborovwori that one of his loyal subjects, Hon Ferdinand Iweriebor sends him fraternal greetings. Inform him of the figments out the unmetioned bulk that has happened. Tell him that the once food basket of Delta (Ika land) has been held captive without sigh of hope. Tell him that some people didn’t harvest their yams planted last year till date.
12. EA, how much is a basen of garri today if I may ask you? Or dollar factor is the reason for the astronomic hike in the staple commodity?
13. Tell him that we as a people are ready and would need state support in terms of manpower and logistics.
14. With due respect, he should summon all traditional rulers in Ika and instruct those among them that have cows in the bush to give out some to their poor subject and hand off on preservation of gifted cows that make them keep people in the bush or better still, sell those cows and enjoy the proceed as usual.
15. I am constrained to talk so that younger generations would think that in our time, that there were no brave men.
16. The traditional rulers are in the web of conspiracy of silence theorem at the moment. At the period of crises, the neutral is calculated to be on the side of the aggressor. Where are their footprints in this hydra-headed monster starting us in the face? When all of us must have died in captivity, who would they govern in their kingdoms?
A stich in time, saves nine!
Sincerely,
Ferdinand Iweriebor
Department of Political science and International Relations,
University of Delta, Agbor.
28th April, 2024”