By Godwin Ajom
Women in Ukpada Community of Bekwarra Local Government Area in Northern Cross River State, have staged a peaceful protest against the activities of cattle herders who they alleged are destroying farmlands and crops.
In an amateur video obtained by CrossRiverWatch, the women are seen waving fresh tree branches and leaves protesting the destruction of their cassava farms which increasingly makes it difficult to process garri that serves as their main revenue source.
Speaking in eBekwarra (indigenous language) they questioned their survival if they are not able to get cassava and other produce to process garri to eat and sell. “They want the herders out of their community for destroying their farms,” a voice interpreted in English.
Watch video below:
They call on federal Lawmakers, Senator Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River North, Honorable Peter Akpanke representing Obudu Obanliku Bekwarra Federal Constituency as well as the State lawmaker, Charles Omang Esq, to come to their aid.
When CrossRiverWatch contacted Honorable Charles Omang representing Bekwarra State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, he appealed to the women to be calm and peaceful in their agitations. He assured that he will present the matter on the floor of the House and relevant authorities, to ensure a solution to their prayers.
“Be peaceful, be calm, I have forwarded videos of the insecurity in that area to the Governor, Deputy Governor, and I am meeting with the State Commissioner of Police to resolve that issue. When we resume plenary on the 16th of July, I will bring it up to the attention of the Assembly.”
He added: “Times are hard, we know our people are suffering, so the little farms they have should not be destroyed by cattles. I’m sure the government will do something about the situation. Let our people please be peaceful.”