Women declare sex strike over herdsmen attacks in Delta

Over 50 women in Oviri Olomu Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have declared a sex strike in protest against continued attacks by suspected herdsmen.

The women, lamenting years of terror, rape, and destruction by armed herders in their once-peaceful agrarian community, vowed on Tuesday not to engage in intimacy with their husbands until concrete measures were taken to secure their lives and farmlands.

The protesters, who marched to the Ughelli Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, demanded urgent intervention and further threatened to stop cooking or participating in market activities.

A community woman leader, Esther Monday, said the women had endured in silence for far too long.

“They rape our women and our guests. Our husbands can no longer go to the bush or farm because it is no longer safe. That is why we are on strike, no food, no sex, no peace until something is done,” Esther said.

A former Secretary-General of the community, Austin Etata, confirmed the action, stating:

“Our women made it clear, no cooking, no intimacy, and no trading until government and security agencies act. That’s why we are here today at the Ughelli Area Command.”

Etata described the situation as dire, alleging that suspected herdsmen had turned Oviri Olomu into a den of kidnappers and rapists.

“There’s a particular bush path where no one can pass anymore because of frequent kidnappings. They destroy our cassava farms to feed their cows. If our men challenge them, they bring out guns and machetes.”

Community Vice President, Emmanuel George, said residents were tired of the constant attacks.

“These herdsmen are claiming ownership of our land and threatening to kill our people. When our women plead with them, they threaten to cut their necks. We can’t take this anymore,” George said.

The protesters urged Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the police to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law and end the siege on their community.

Addressing the protesters, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ughelli ‘A’ Division assured them their complaints would be addressed.

“We understand your pain and frustration. The police will not ignore your cries,” the DPO said. “We will convene a peace meeting between the Fulani leaders and your community leaders as soon as possible to foster understanding and restore peace.”