Tensions between indigenous farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Amulu-Ihitte, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, appear to be easing following a peace meeting convened by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Daniel Wetben. The resolution comes after months of escalating disputes over destroyed crops and fear of violence.
CSP Wetben initiated the dialogue after receiving repeated complaints—primarily from women farmers—about rampant destruction of farmlands by wandering cattle. He emphasized that sustained peace was non-negotiable and urged both parties to embrace mutual respect and dialogue going forward.
Representing the Fulani herding community, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu, chairman of the Imo State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, pledged to rein in errant herders and ensure their operations respect local farms. He also assured that his group would compensate affected farmers for losses already incurred.
Community leader and President-General of Amulu-Ihitte, Chief Austin Egejuru, spoke candidly on the deteriorating relationship. He recalled how the community initially welcomed the Fulani settlers and allocated them grazing land, only for the herders to later violate that trust by allowing cattle to ravage farmlands without restraint.
The situation reportedly became so dire that many women, fearing for their safety, began to avoid their farms entirely—disrupting food production and local livelihoods. Several rescue attempts had to be made by community security volunteers to save crops from total destruction.
Chief Egejuru described the peace initiative as a “lifeline” for farmers whose livelihoods have hung in the balance. He praised the police for stepping in to mediate, adding that the herders’ promises of restraint and restitution now need to be matched with real action on the ground.
With the police pledging continued oversight and the herdsmen’s leadership vowing compliance, locals hope the new accord will usher in a new era of trust and cooperation, one that replaces fear and suspicion with mutual survival and cohabitation.
