Ika People in Canada Bemoan Insecurity Ravaging their Land in Delta

Sunday Okobi

The people of Ika Nation in Canada under the umbrella of Ika Association in Toronto GTA Canada have expressed concern over the increasing rate of insecurity in Ikaland, Delta State.

In a statement issued and made available to THISDAY yesterday by the Chairman of the association, Dr. Emmanuel Emordi, the group lamented that Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas (making up the Ika Nation) are facing a growing threat of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.

 The statement noted that  indigenes of the land  now live in fear for their safety as they experience abduction from their farms and held hostages for ransom, resulting in tragic outcomes for some, even after ransom payments were made.

Emordi said: “This situation has severely impacted their livelihoods, particularly since farming is the core occupation of the people and the base of the economy of the community.

“The continuous incidents have left indigenes in fear, unsure of who may be targeted next.”

 The local media has extensively reported on these incidents, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

“Our farmlands and streets have been hijacked by Fulani herdsmen. Nowhere is safe in Ika land. Worse is that those of us in the Diaspora are equally scared of the fate of our relatives back home and the financial implication of often being called upon to send funds to pay ransom to criminals.”

The group further stated: “We firmly believe that our country (Nigeria) possesses the resources and capability to combat these crimes effectively. However, we emphasise the need for increased funding for community policing, advocacy for stricter legislation against kidnapping, and initiatives aimed at addressing underlying social issues contributing to insecurity.

“As concerned citizens of Ika descent in Diaspora, we urgently appeal to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, members of the state House of Assembly, the chairmen of both local government areas, the royal fathers (Obis and Dien) of the Ika Nation, and our religious leaders to leverage their positions and influence in order to swiftly address the security challenges plaguing our community.

“It is our collective belief that proactive measures taken now will prevent further escalation of this crisis, and provide decisive actions that would resolve the issues jeopardising the well-being and overall safety of the indigenes of Ika Nation.”