Suspected Herdsmen Attack Delta Farmer, Son, Torch Motorcycle
A rubber tapper and his 12-year-old son were allegedly attacked along a bush path in Ndokwa West, raising fresh security concerns among farming communities.
A fresh security concern has emerged in parts of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State following the alleged attack on a rubber tapper, John Ogoro, and his 12-year-old son, Godswill. The incident reportedly occurred on September 14, 2026, as the father and son were returning from a rubber plantation along a bush path between Emu Ebendo and Umusam Ogbe. According to the report, three armed men suspected to be herdsmen allegedly stopped them and ordered them to kneel.
Godswill reportedly said the attackers accused his father of killing their cattle. He said Ogoro explained repeatedly that he was a rubber tapper and was not responsible for any alleged cattle killing. The situation allegedly escalated when the men raised their firearms, prompting Ogoro to flee. According to the boy’s account, his father was injured during the incident before Godswill managed to leave the area and seek assistance.
The victim was subsequently rescued after a neighbour, Okom Chibeze, alerted Ujene Matthew Ossai, a member of the Delta North Livestock Management Committee under the state Ministry of Agriculture. Ossai, alongside other committee operatives, reportedly mobilised to the area before the matter was brought to the attention of the police. Ogoro was taken to Donak Hospital in Kwale, where he received medical treatment and was later discharged.
The incident has reportedly heightened concerns among residents of Emu Ebendo, Umusam Ogbe, Abbe and neighbouring communities. Residents have previously raised complaints about alleged attacks, crop destruction and difficulties accessing farmlands. Ossai also recalled another alleged confrontation involving a 25-year-old farmer, Joseph Terhemen, on June 15, 2026, while working on a farm in Emu Ebendo. A separate incident involving a motorcycle allegedly being set ablaze at Abbe was also reported, although details surrounding that incident remained unclear.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the latest incident through its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe. The police said no arrest had been made as of the time of confirmation, while confirming that the victim had been treated and discharged from hospital. Authorities and members of the Livestock Management Committee are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and work to prevent further tension in the affected communities. Residents have also been urged to remain calm while investigations continue.
