The people of Assa community in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State are counting their losses after the invasion of their farmlands by suspected herdsmen.
The villagers called on the state government to intervene.
They also asked the leadership of the Hausa/ Fulani community in the state to ask the suspects to vacate their community.
According to the residents, the latest attack is the second in the year.
One of the victims, identified simply as Eddy, said the herdsmen destroyed a lot of crops.
“We are calling on the authorities to come to our aid. Fulani herdsmen are destroying our farmlands with their cows. They invaded our farmlands and destroyed our means of survival,” he said.
The Secretary of Umuepe Youth Movement, Amaechi Ezekwe, said hunger was imminent in the community due to the “nefarious activities of these herders.”
He said, “For over a week now, Fulani herdsmen have invaded our farmlands and destroyed crops running into millions of naira. The youth are threatening a showdown with them, but we are urging them to be calm. This was what they did last year. We are saying enough is enough.”
Another resident, Reuben Keruo, said the traditional ruler of the community had reported the incident to the leadership of the herders in the state, but nothing was done.
He said, “Our people are naturally farmers, but as we speak we are losing everything. Our crops have been destroyed. The Fulani herdsmen in our community are destroying them. Let those concerned tell them to vacate our farmlands.”
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Micheal Abattam, had yet to respond to our correspondent’s inquiry on the incident as of press time.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com
