Farmers is six villages of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have been sent packing from their farmlands as wild herdsmen take over any green area in Ifa Ikot Akpan; Ifa Ikot Abia Nkpo; Ifa Ikot Obong; Ifa Ikot Idang; Ikot Akpabio and Ifa Ikot Abia Ntuen
The herdsmen who where just passer-by and in some communities usually spend few hours to graze their cattle have now decided to settle in these six villages given to change for no economic crop to grow for five years now and still counting.
Women who are the most affected by this inhuman act by herders have taken to the streets for protest and are calling on Akwa Ibom State government led administration of Pastor Umo Eno to activate the anti-grazing law passed the past administration.
While counting their losses on the invasion, the farmers said the herdsmen led their cattle to plod and graze on their farms in defiance of the state government’s ban on open grazing.
Speaking with Newsmen, Madam Atim Etetim of Ifa Ikot Abia Ntuen said they escaped being killed by the armed herders after failed attempts to prevent the invasion.
Madam Etetim called on the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to please send representative to come and see the damaged done on farmlands which they obtained loans for the cultivation as the calamity befails them at the point of havest when they were about to havest their maize.
Similarly, Mrs. Agnes Benedict of Ifa Ikot Idang lamented that they have no money to approach the Police for security of their lives and property as their only hope is on the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno whom the voted into power as the Chief Security Officer of the State to come for their rescue.
On her part, Obongawan Ekaette Solomon said, “the herdsmen used to parade their cattles to the farms on daily basis. When people are in their farms, herders will chase them and this sad incident lasted for about five years now and still counting.
“The action of the herders in the communities is a clear violation of the law prohibiting open grazing recently signed by the State Government into law, which should be viewed seriously.
“The sudden return of these menaces after the ban, if not checked, may result in another round of clashes, killings and tension between the indigenous farmers and the Hausa/Fulani community in state”, she stressed.
She therefore, advised relevant government authorities to caution the perpetrators who are permanently residing in the area in order to safeguarding crops and the farmers.
Protesting on placards with inscriptions boldly written, “SOS, Gov Umo Eno Herdsmen have destroyed our Farmland, we obtained loans to farm, Please send people to inspect our Farmland and see the level of damage done”.
They protested in unison, expressing disapproval on the conduct of the herders to allow animals to destroy people’s crops having invested heavily and expecting profits, just like the herders with their cattle.
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