By Nelson Utip
The indigenes of Ika Nation in Canada under the auspices of Ika Association in Toronto GTA Canada have bemoaned the increasing rate of insecurity in Ikaland, Delta State.
In a statement issued and made available to Newsmen recently by the Chairman of the organization ,Dr. Emmanuel Emordi, the group decried the persistent insecurity in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas which makes up The Ika Nation.
The group in the statement observes that indigenes of Uka Nation perpetually live in fear for their safety as they experience kidnapping for ransom even in their farms with some murdered even after ransom has been paid.
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“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.” Emordi said.
“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.” He continued.
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“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.” The statement concluded.
