Delta Women Go on Sex Strike Over Incessant Herdsmen Attacks

Dozens of women in Oviri Olomu Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have declared a sex strike in protest against repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen. The women, numbering over 50, staged a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday at the Ughelli Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, demanding immediate government and security intervention.

The protesters, many of them farmers and market women, said the strike would continue until concrete steps are taken to protect their lives, farmland, and community from the ongoing violence. As part of the protest, the women vowed to stop cooking, withdraw from local markets, and deny their husbands intimacy until the attacks stop.

“They rape our women and guests. Our husbands can no longer go to the farms because the bush paths are unsafe. That is why we are on strike — no food, no sex, no peace until something is done,” said Esther Monday, a community leader who addressed the press during the protest.

The women accused armed herdsmen of routinely invading their farmlands, destroying crops, assaulting residents, and threatening the peace of the once-thriving agrarian community. According to them, the lack of effective response from authorities has emboldened the attackers.

Former community secretary-general Austin Etata confirmed the seriousness of the women’s demands. “They made their position clear: no cooking, no intimacy, no trading until government and security agencies act. Our people are tired of empty promises while our community becomes a danger zone,” he said.

Etata also painted a grim picture of the current situation. “There’s a bush path no one can pass anymore due to frequent kidnappings. The herders destroy our cassava farms to feed their cows, and when confronted, they threaten us with guns and machetes,” he said.

Emmanuel George, Vice President of the community, echoed these concerns. “These herdsmen are now claiming ownership of our land and openly threatening to kill our people. When our women beg them to stop, they say they’ll cut their throats. We can’t live like this anymore.”

The protesters urged Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Nigeria Police to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law and restore peace to the embattled community.

Addressing the demonstrators, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ughelli ‘A’ Division acknowledged their concerns and promised swift action. “We understand your pain and frustration. The police will not ignore your cries,” he said. “We will organize a peace meeting between Fulani leaders and your community leaders as soon as possible to ensure peace returns.”

The women said their strike would continue until they see visible security measures and an end to the violence that has plagued their community for years.