Some herders in Okpanam town, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have cried out over the burning of their settlement.
They are also demanding investigation into culprits and brought to justice.
The herders’ settlement in Obodogba community of Okpanam was allegedly razed by some angry youths fillowing the killing of a popular vigilante leader in Okpanam along with his subjects by gunmen.
According to the herders’ leader, Abubakar Haruna, youths from the Obodogba invaded their camp and destroyed property, alleging complicity of the herder’s in the killing of some vigilante members.
Haruna appealed for security for his people, adding that they were law abiding citizens who would never contemplate taking the law into their hands no matter the level of provocation.
Mohammed Elunor, counsel to the residents, described the mob action as unfortunate. He added that they had forwarded a petition to the police to investigate the matter.
Elunor debunked the allegation that kidnappers and killers were from the herders’ settlement, saying it was wrong for Okpanam natives to tag Fulani settlers as criminals.
However, the president of Obodogba youths, Christopher Agali, absolved the youths of Okpanam of involvement in the mob action.
