Lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have asked the state government to to immediately evacuate Fulani herders in Ukpada community in Bekwarra Local Government Area of the state. The call came following a recent report of destruction of farmlands by people believed to be Fulani herdsmen. The lawmakers believe that the evacuation is the permanent solution to incessant destruction of farmlands in the state.
Recall that on the 1st of July, 2024, women of Ukpada village did a peaceful protest over the wanton destruction of their farms by Fulani herders who had taken possession of the 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 resolution after a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the member representing Bekwarra State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Charles Omang Omang.
The legislator 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.
Corroborating the legislator, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi condemned the activities of the Fulani herders whom he said preferred their cattle to human beings, adding that the problem was not peculiar to Bekwarra, as the experience is shared by farmers 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.
