by crossriverwatch admin
The return of Fulani herdsmen to Ntan Obu Community in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State has been generating ripples among the local farmers in the area.
Paramount Ruler of Odukpani Local Government Council of Cross River State, H.R.H. Retired Colonel Asakara Ekanem said this while speaking with newsmen on the development.
He said the herdsmen have again invaded the Ntan Obu community within his kingdom and unleashed their cattle on farms and other unauthorized places.
The monarch said the presence of the herdsmen has renewed tension among the local farmers who are insisting that their farmlands which have been taken over by the herdsmen and their cattle must be vacated.
He said, “The herdsmen have returned again this year with their cattle grazing on farmlands without taking permission from anyone and this has again brought about renewed tension between them and the people.”
Col. Ekanem said, the herdsmen invasion in 2012 on the same community had resulted into violence. He said he has drawn the attention of the state government for their withdrawal but lamented that government’s response has not really been meaningful.
“The attack of last year is still memorable. I have drawn attention of the government to the wanton destruction but there has not been commensurate compensation. And many of my people have still not completely returned home after the 2012 attack”, he said.
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