Farm destruction: C’River Assembly urges govt to evacuate Fulani herders

Lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have called on the State Government to take steps towards the systematic evacuation of the Fulani herders as a permanent solution to the destruction of farmlands in parts of the state.
There are reports that hundreds of Fulanis have invaded many villages in Bekwarra LGA of the state.
Recently, many farms were destroyed in Ukpada village in Bekwarra Local Government Area of the state by Fulani herders, which resulted in huge losses.
On the 1st of July, 2024, women of Ukpada village carried out a peaceful protest over the wanton destruction of their farms by Fulani herders who had taken possession of their farms.
The lawmakers have now directed the state government to, as a matter of urgency, implement the Cross River State Livestock Management and Grazing Law passed by the 9th Assembly.
The Lawmakers made the resolutions following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the member representing Bekwarra State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Charles Omang Omang.
He expressed sadness that his constituents, mostly farmers, were now afraid to go to their farms because of the presence of Fulani herders who allegedly carry dangerous weapons.
Also contributing, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi condemned the activities of the Fulani herders whom he said prefered their cattle to human beings, adding that the problem was not peculiar to Bekwarra but in other LGAs across the State.
Both the Majority and Minority Leaders, Francis Asuquo and Samuel Neji Abang, respectively, stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent crises in the area.
Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem decried the activities of herdsmen who allowed their cattle to destroy farms and crops, adding that the implementation of the Livestock Management and Grazing Law would greatly facilitate peaceful coexistence, as well as secure farmers’ investment.
Farm destruction: C’River Assembly urges govt to evacuate Fulani herders