Cross River Assembly Urges Government Action On Farm Destruction By Fulani Herders

Cross River Assembly Urges Government Action On Farm Destruction By Fulani Herders

Lawmakers in the Cross River State House of Assembly have called upon the State Government to take immediate steps towards systematically evacuating Fulani herders as a lasting solution to the persistent destruction of farmlands in various parts of the state……. CONTINUE READING 

Reports indicate that hundreds of Fulanis have encroached upon numerous villages in Bekwarra LGA.

Recently, significant agricultural damage occurred in Ukpada village, Bekwarra Local Government Area, resulting in substantial losses attributed to Fulani herders.

On July 1, 2024, women from Ukpada village staged a peaceful protest against the rampant destruction of their farms by Fulani herders who had occupied their lands.

In response to a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Charles Omang Omang, representing Bekwarra State Constituency and serving as Minority Whip, lawmakers directed the state government to promptly enforce the Cross River State Livestock Management and Grazing Law, enacted by the 9th Assembly.

Expressing concern, Hon. Omang Omang lamented that his predominantly farming constituents now fear attending to their fields due to the presence of armed Fulani herders.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi condemned the herders’ actions, accusing them of prioritizing cattle over human lives and noting that the problem extends beyond Bekwarra to other LGAs in the state.

Both Majority Leader Francis Asuquo and Minority Leader Samuel Neji Abang emphasized the necessity for preemptive measures to forestall further crises in the region.

Speaker Elvert Ayambem denounced the herdsmen’s negligence, which has led to cattle destroying farms and crops, underscoring the urgency of implementing the Livestock Management and Grazing Law to foster peaceful coexistence and safeguard farmers’ investments.