Residents of Oghede community have raised alarm over what they describe as a forced occupation of their ancestral land by Fulani herdsmen—allegedly with the backing of the Nigerian Army.
According to locals, the military demolished a single house in the area but subsequently constructed over 50 ranches intended for Fulani settlers. Since then, fear has gripped the community. Residents claim they can no longer access their farmlands, women are afraid to go into the bushes, and reports of sexual assault have become distressingly frequent.
“This is our home—our land. We are not criminals. Yet we are being driven out and replaced,” a community member lamented, accusing the army of destroying fences, invading homes, and enabling a quiet but forceful displacement.
The people of Oghede are now calling on the state governor to urgently intervene. They are demanding a review of the original land gazette, a re-examination of boundary lines, and immediate action to halt what they describe as a “silent takeover” of their community.