Farms deserted in Rivers as cultists turn farms to killing fields

Women and the elderly are deserting farms in parts of Rivers State as cultists turn the farms into killing fields. Tension is rising over fears that over 30 fresh killings have taken place in just one week.

The opposition party in the state, APC, has however put pressure on the governor, Nyesom Wike, to speak up over the endless killings ravaging Ikwerre, Ogbia, and Ahiada local council areas of the state.

Local leaders have cried out saying elderly women in communities in the affected local council areas no longer go to their farms due to the presence of cultists who have allegedly taken over the farmlands.

The secretary of the publicity committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Godstime Orlukwu, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, earning a living in the farms had been halted because cultists had taken over his farms.

He called on Governor Wike to take action on the deteriorating situation, saying Wike fought hard to win election; he should also work hard to protect the people.

Sources said the cultists invaded a village in Rumuji town in Emohua local council area, sacking police posts carting away important items after releasing inmates. Over 19 persons were reportedly killed at Aluu community in Ikwerre local government area and Obite community in Etche local government area on Friday night while another 11 people were said to be killed on Saturday night in three communities in Emohua local government area of the state.

Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday, the secretary, Orlukwu, wondered how many more people would be killed before the state government took action.

Orlukwu said, “How many more lives, how many more will die before this government does something about these killings. The last time I checked, one of the primary responsibilities of government and I mean, by his oath of office, the governor is supposed to be responsible for the protection of lives and properties of all those he is governing.

“Why is this government completely silent and uninterested in what is going on? Why can’t these youths who are engaged in all these be empowered to work and earn a living rather than carrying guns; Why? Where are our elders? Who will save Rivers State? Why is no one talking?”

“That is his responsibility and we can’t see that yet. We know what former Governor Amaechi did; we know how former Governor Amaechi fought tirelessly to keep Rivers State safe. Politics aside; that is the responsibility of a government.”

Wike has however urged groups of all kinds to stop the senseless killings, and urged the security agencies to deal ruthlessly with recalcitrant. Before now, there has been controversy over whether the reported killings were real or created by rival parties just to create a bloody image of Rivers State.