BY
CHINONSO JOHN ELUMEZIE

Imo State, situated in southeastern Nigeria and home to a significant agrarian Igbo population is struggling with escalating insecurity caused by recurring Fulani herdsmen attacks indirectly backed by some powerful politicians, the Sultanate, and top military generals. These attacks have not only resulted in tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement of rural communities and farmers, but have also disrupted agricultural lands and activities. The herdsmen incursions have also instilled fear among farmers, and is currently threatening the state’s food security potentially triggering a hunger crisis.
The looming hunger crisis in Imo state is thus not merely a humanitarian issue but also a political and cultural concern. In communities such as Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area, over 200 farmers have reported substantial financial losses due to herdsmen destroying crops such as cassava, maize, and vegetables. Similarly, in Obosa-Assa community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area farmers have expressed concerns over the continuous invasion of their farmlands by herders carrying dangerous weapons, making it difficult for the community to defend themselves. The community sent an SOS to the state government, with one farmer stating, “Hunger is imminent in our communities because they have continued to invade our farmlands.” Furthermore, the Umuagubiam village in Oforola, Ezi Orsu, Izombe, Ejemekwuru and Agwa communities residents among others, reported kidnapping and physical assaults (maiming and killings) of their farmers.
In response to recent attacks, security forces have only made empty promises in tackling the menace. The government of Imo State has avowedly refused to implement the anti-open grazing law passed during the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State. The inability of the government of Imo State and that of Ahmed Tinubu administration at the centre to confront and tackle this ugly menace shows that they are complicit. Perhaps, it could be an indirect way to complete the starvation of Igbos started by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the ill-fated Nigeria/Biafra civil war that lasted for 30 months. The recurring herdsmen attack in the state and other parts of eastern Nigeria has compromised food security and intensified existing tensions. This scenario risks exacerbating poverty and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Conclusion
The persistent attacks by herdsmen in Imo State have far-reaching implications, particularly with regards to food security. Since the response from the Nigerian government has been widely criticized as slow and ineffective, fuelling frustration and anger among the Igbo people in general, it is necessary that both state and federal governments collaborate with local communities to implement sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of farmers and the protection of farmlands. The Fulani herdsmen should be made to understand that this is the 21st century. Unfortunately, the government of the day that should have called them to order is reasoning and behaving like cows, that is why there are no proactive measures to prevent this looming danger.
Chinonso John Elumezie is an activist

Alex Ibeh

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has stepped up awareness Campaign to ensure a safe and secure operations in the Airspace Transport system.
This was disclosed during a two-day post May-Day lecture, 7th edition with the theme:
“Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice” and Aviation Workers the Cornerstone of safe and Secure Skies” respectively.

Speaking at the event, the National President of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Chairman International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Comrade Ben Nnabue said it is a measure to preventing accidents and ensuring that air craft are properly maintained.
He stated that the choice of Imo State was to encourage the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for his Transformative Initiative at Sam Mbakwe Airport to have International flighting land at the Airport.
While Commending the Governor, he informed that with the measures been put in place, Airspace is safe and Secure.
According to him, the Membership of the Union cuts across every Airport in Nigeria both Government and Private owned.
He urged the members to speed up expectation to ensure that the sky is safe and Secure.

The Workshop which was organized by Jayson Terrel and Associates Ltd was held in Imo State from Monday 26th to Tuesday 27th May, 2027.
Declaring the Seminar open on Monday, Prof. Rev. Fr. Philip Ogbonna disclosed that mapping was the first process in conflict resolution to explore the solution, explaining that Mapping was to determine the cause of the conflict.
According to him, without Mapping, solution would be very difficult to achieve.
He noted that most Conflicts, with reference to Nigeria, some people are usually the beneficiaries.

In the lecture series, Prof. M. N. Obasi with the topic “Dispute resolution Mechanism: Mediation and Conciliation” said the point formed the course of Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR).
He encouraged workers to adopt ADR in settling disputes, saying that it is faster, cost effectiveness and at the same time achieve the same purpose.

Another Guest Speaker, Dr. Walter Emereole of whose topic was on “The impact of Clear Communication in Labour Relations” charged the Participants to take advantage of the lecture to identify communication gap in their work spheres as a tool for sustainable relations.
Also speaking on the 2nd day conference, Amb. Anthony C. Akalugo, the CEO of Leadership Sustainable Development Academy Ltd with a topic: “Sustainable Practices in Aviation Sector anchored on Aviation Workforce” averred that the discussion availed the participants the opportunity to explore some factors that affect sustainable business in Nigeria Aviation Sector,
He said: “the role of workers in the sustainability in the Aviation Industry is very essential for the interconnectivity, equipment, the regulatory Compliance and Organizational practices, all these interoperate to ensure a safe sky”

Meanwhile, the Organizer, Dr. Chioma Magnus Orjiakor stated that essence of choosing the topic was to expose the workers in aviation Industry and other workers across the country to take advantage of uzitiling the Alternative means of resolving issues other than the court.
According to him, the regular clamour for better treatment by Nigerian workers occasioned by Government’s treatment but unable to resove it. Most times, they resort to strike action.
He however pointed out that restorative Justice aim to restore promote sustainable peace by building stronger relationship between the Government and workers.

In the same vein, Comrade Ochem Aba of NUATE noted that the essence of the Workshop was to gather all their members to Imo State to take advantage of the awareness Campaign for the Security of both the workspace and the Industry

Alex Ibeh

The Federal Ministries of Environment and Finance were in Imo State on Tuesday
to Inspect some Communities been threatened by ecological degradation.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Barr Major Ejikeme Emenike who received and led the joint delegation visited Ideato and Ikeduru local government Areas.

Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner for Environment, Sir Major Ejikeme Emenike reiterated the Imo State Government’s readiness to work with relevant federal agencies to address the ecological threat ravaging many communities especially Ideato nation and Ikeduru local government Areas.

Emenike disclosed that the tour aimed at efforts of the federal and state-level synergy to mitigate environmental degradation, prevent disaster, and promote sustainable development in the state

He urged communities to support and protect ecological projects when executed.

The inspection tour in Ikeduru focused on the Ugirike Erosion Site and the Inyishi Dam,

The Chairman of Ikeduru local government Area Hon. Justice Nze who received the team said the Ugirike erosion site, had long been identified as a major ecological threat, that continually endanger residential homes, roads, and farmlands.
He added that Inyishi Dam held significant potential for water supply, agricultural irrigation, and rural electrification.

Nze further commended the efforts of His Excellency, Sen Hope Uzodinma, the Executive Governor of Imo State for bringing the dividends of democracy to Ikeduru in particular and Imo State at large. He also appraised the synergy between the Imo State government and the federal government, expressing optimism that the collaborative approach by the team would fast-track intervention processes. This is even as he called for an urgency of addressing the erosion menace while drawing all attentions to Inyishi Dam for public benefit.

Those who made the team included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Chukwuma Iheanacho and a team of Engineers from both federal and Imo State Governments, joint delegation from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ecological Fund Office, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Federal Ministry of Finance were present to evaluate the funding mechanisms, ensure transparency, and assess the feasibility of future ecological projects under the Ecological Fund Scheme.

The tour aimed at addressing pressing ecological challenges in the Southeast.