By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
An alleged attack by suspected herdsmen in Delta State has sparked protests and renewed nationwide concerns over the safety of rural communities, as residents demand swift justice and stronger security presence across vulnerable areas.
The incident occurred in Kokori community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, where a young man, identified as Efeurhobo, was reportedly attacked and left critically injured, intensifying fears already heightened by a recent killing in a neighbouring community.
The development has once again drawn attention to the recurring clashes between farming communities and herdsmen in parts of the country, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures in rural Nigeria.
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Command said investigations were ongoing, assuring the public that efforts had been intensified to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
Despite the police assurance, tension escalated in Kokori as women and youths took to the streets in protest, demanding immediate action from authorities and a sustained security presence to prevent further attacks.
The protesters described the assault as unprovoked and inhumane, warning that continued delays in addressing the situation could lead to reprisals or a breakdown of law and order in the area.
Some youths were seen moving around the community in tricycles, making public announcements restricting the movement of herdsmen within Kokori and threatening social sanctions against anyone accused of collaborating with them.
Community leaders said the attack occurred barely days after a young man was reportedly killed in Orhoakpor, a neighbouring community, a development that has deepened anxiety and fear among residents of the axis.
They appealed to both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government to urgently deploy adequate security personnel to the area to restore confidence and prevent further loss of lives.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Efeurhobo narrated that the incident happened on Monday when he confronted herdsmen who were allegedly destroying his mother’s cassava farm within the community.
According to him, the confrontation quickly turned violent, leaving him with serious injuries before passersby and friends rushed him to a hospital for treatment.
His mother, Mrs Mary Efeurhobo, confirmed the account and lamented that persistent fear of attacks has made farming increasingly unsafe for families in Kokori, urging the government to urgently intervene to protect lives and livelihoods.