Tension in Cross River communities as cattles ravage farmlands

Tension is mounting successful six communities of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State pursuing repeated demolition of farmlands by cattle belonging to Fulani herders.

Farm nutrient worthy millions of naira has reportedly been mislaid successful the affected areas, worsening the economical strain connected agrarian farmers who beryllium mostly connected subsistence agriculture.

The impacted communities see Ekemkpon, Atan Akani Obio Okoyong, Esuk Okoyong, Ikot Essien, Ikot Nyong and Atan Okoyong, alongside different settlements on the coastal road axis.

Village caput of Atan Akani Obio Okoyong and clan caput of Onimankiong clan, His Highness Deno Enuo Ekpenyong-Inang Itam Ating, said the situation escalated aft herders resumed grazing successful the country contempt earlier absorption by residents.

He recalled that tensions deepened aft herders allegedly sought and obtained support from immoderate section leaders successful 2024 to graze cattle successful Ikot Essien, an statement that aboriginal collapsed erstwhile the livestock strayed into different communities, destroying crops.

Community leaders said the demolition prompted a prohibition connected unfastened grazing, noting that beyond feeding connected grass, the cattle uprooted cassava, pumpkin and cucumber farms, leaving farmers devastated.

Ating further alleged that retal...