BY PAUL EGEDE/ AGBOR
ALIFEKEDE community in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State is currently reeling from a devastating loss as their cash crops worth millions of Naira were allegedly destroyed by youths from neighboring Alihagu community. The unfortunate incident, according to them, occurred in the night of Wednesday, September 18, 2025 and has not only caused financial strain on the community but deepened tensions between the two communities.
Speaking to newsmen, Pa. Anthony Odin, Mr. Ebuh Phillip, the Chief Security Officer of the community, and Mr. Shaeme Ikpade, the Youth Leader of Alifekede Community Youths, all condemned the destruction of Alifekede community’s cash crops, as it was noted that, it comes as a major blow to the hardworking farmers who have invested their time, resources, and energy into growing their crops. They averred that, the loss of their primary source of income has left many families in a dire situation. The trio disclosed that, they woke up only to find out that crops like plantains, banana, pawpaw, and coconut trees have been cut down. Speaking further, they revealed that, those who saw the perpetrators, mentioned that they saw youths from the next villages cutting down the trees. Adding that, the perpetrators also cut down some coconut trees planted by government in the community.
Continuing, they hinted that, they have reported the matter to the police already for further investigation, as the community do not want violence, noting that such a development, is something that can cause community clashes, that can lead to lost of lives. According to the trio, the community do not have boundaries dispute with the community in question nor with any other community for that matter, as they wondered the cause of the provocative act.
They appealed to the appropriate authorities to wade into the matter before it gets out of hand, declaring that they were not happy seeing their source of livelihood destroyed in such manner.
They noted that, Alifekede community has been known for its flourishing agriculture, providing not only for its own people but also for other communities, even travellers across the nation stopover to buy agricultural products at the community’s market.
They claimed that, the destruction of their cash crops not only affects the immediate community but also has a ripple effect on the economy of the region. The economic impact of this loss cannot be overstated, as it not only affects the farmers but also the suppliers, traders, and consumers.
They averred that, in a time where the country is facing economic quagmire, the last thing any community needs is such a devastating loss. “It is imperative for neighboring communities to coexist peacefully and work towards resolving their differences through dialogue and mediation when there are differences, but in this scenario, it beats our imagination, as we do not have any issue or issues with the community in question” they added.
