Obowo Security Takes Battle to Fulani Herdsmen In Bushes 

Obowo Security Vanguard

By Our Correspondent

In response to the recent influx of Fulani herdsmen into the fourteen communities of Obowo Local Government Area in Imo State, the newly formed security group, Obowo Security Vanguard, has declared total war against the herders. 

This move aims to prevent further loss of lives and destruction crops and properties within the area.

About two weeks ago, residents of the communities were alarmed by a sudden increase in the number of Fulani herdsmen encroaching into the bushes and farmlands of Obowo, where their cattle grazed on crops planted by local farmers.

Concerned about the potential threat posed to the natives, the Obowo Security Vanguard swiftly mobilized to confront and drive the herdsmen out, pursuing them beyond the community borders into the neighboring Mbaise Council Area.

Following this confrontation, the security outfit has intensified operations, systematically combing the bushes across Obowo to ensure the herders are no longer present within the local government area.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Commander Obioma Nwunne Godwin expressed renewed determination to safeguard the lives and property of the people of Obowo.

 He also appealed to the community’s well-to-do citizens for support.

“We want to use this opportunity to address the sons and daughters of Obowo, especially the affluent among us, so they can understand the gravity of the situation here,” said Commander Godwin.   My name is Obioma Nwunne Godwin and  I lead the Obowo Security Vanguard. The men beside me are volunteers drawn from all fourteen communities in Obowo. If you look at their faces, you will see their deep concern over the menace posed by the Fulani herdsmen.”he stated.

He questioned the silence of the wealthy and influential members of the community: 

“We wonder what benefit our rich sons and daughters gain by remaining quiet while the herdsmen continue to displace us from our land.” he stated.

Recalling the recent incursion, the commander said, “Two weeks ago, the Fulani herdsmen entered Obowo, but our vigilant members of the Security Vanguard chased them away, pushing them back into Mbaise, our neighboring local government area.”

“We have been patrolling the bushes since yesterday and will continue tomorrow and beyond, combing every corner to flush out any remaining herders. We will not relent until Obowo is free from their presence.”

Commander Godwin emphasized that combating this security challenge requires collective effort: 

“We cannot fight this battle alone or empty-handed. We call on all sons and daughters of Obowo to contribute generously towards logistics and support. Security is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a shared duty of all citizens.”he added.

He appealed to those with family abroad, urging them to consider their relatives still at home:

 “You may have relocated your immediate family for safety, but what about your aged parents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and other relatives left behind?”

“We in the Obowo Security Vanguard have volunteered to sacrifice our lives to protect our people. We will not stop until every Fulani herdsman has been expelled from Obowo,” he warned. “If we allow their presence to persist, we face deaths, sexual violence against our women, and the destruction of our farmlands.”he added.