By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
Palpable tension, and fear of the unknown, have continued to unsettle the people of Ewulu Community in Delta State over the alleged murder of a housewife by suspected herdsmen while working in her farm.
The victim, Mrs. Dumebi Therasa Nwabuokei, was allegedly killed on Sunday by suspected herdsmen who reportedly shot her severally in the chest before fleeing the scene. She died on the spot.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeleke Adeyinka, confirmed the incident to journalists in Asaba on Tuesday, assuring that his command had launched a massive manhunt for the suspected killers.
“We are on top of the situation,” CP Adeyinka assured, “and we shall fish out the suspects at all costs and ensure they are brought to book.”
But the community, since the incident, has been enveloped by the fear of the unknown as many could no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed by suspected killer herders.
The Councilor representing Ward 9, Ewulu in Aniocha South Local Government, Mrs. Patience Igbadi, appealed to security agents to come to the aid of the community.
She told journalists in Asaba, also on Tuesday, that Mrs Dumebi Therasa Nwabuokei had gone to her farm to get food for her family but met gun totting herdsmen who shot her dead when she challenged them. She was reportedly shot as she attempted to run for dear life.
“In the past few days,” continued Mrs. Igbadi, “women in Ewulu Community have been mourning. We are no longer safe in Ewulu Community because of Fulani cattle rearers who have taken over our farms and community.
“We have reported the incident to our King, His Royal Majesty, Obi Godwin Onyenwueuwa, who summoned a meeting and ordered a search party. They discovered the corpse of Mrs Dumebi Therasa Nwabuokei.”
She noted that since the incident, women in Ewulu Community who are predominantly farmers, could not carry out their farm activities. They now live in constant fear the possibility of attack by the Fulani herdsmen.
She urged the Delta State Police Command, the State Government, and other relevant agencies to work fast to make their state and community safe again.