Tension is mounting in communities within the Onim Ankiong Clan of Odukpani Local Government Area following allegations by farmers that cattle belonging to Fulani herders have repeatedly destroyed crops valued at millions of naira.
Residents of several villages in the clan said the situation, which reportedly intensified in 2023, has led to frequent disputes between farmers and herders, raising fears of a possible escalation if urgent action is not taken by authorities.
The affected communities include Ekemkpon village, Atan Akani Obio Okoyong village, Esuk Okoyong village, Ikot Essien village, Ikot Nyong village, Atan Okoyong village and other settlements along the coastal highway axis of the local government area.
Speaking on the development, the village head of Atan Akani Obio Village who doubles as clan secretary of Onimankiong clan, HH Deno Enuo Ekpenyong-Inang Itam Ating, alleged that the crisis began after herders resumed grazing activities in the area despite earlier resistance from the community.
According to him, herders had previously sought permission from some leaders of Ikot Essien village and were alleged to pay certain fees in the year 2024 before grazing their cattle in the area, but unfortunately these cattle spread to other villages in the clan and wantonly destroyed farm produce, and as such the arrangement was later discontinued to protect farmlands.
Ating explained that the community decided to bar open grazing because the cattle, not only fed on grasses but, also uprooted cassava and other crops cultivated by farmers.
“Our farmers cultivate cassava, pumpkin, cucumber and other crops worth millions of naira. When the cattle enter these farms, they destroy everything. When farmers see their crops destroyed, they sometimes retaliate by killing the cows,” he added.
He alleged that such retaliatory actions led to the murder of a farmer, Mr. Udo Isong Akpan in 2024 and the case was handled by the Cross River State Police, Diamond Hill, Calabar.
According to him, in several cases authorities attempted to mediate by encouraging both parties to negotiate compensation.
“Usually they look at what was destroyed and the value of the cows killed. Sometimes they ask the farmers to pay compensation to the herders,” he said.
Community members said tensions escalated last year after a major incident in which several cows were allegedly killed by angry farmers following the destruction of crops.
They alleged that the dispute attracted the attention of security agencies, including the police and the military, who intervened in the matter.
Despite earlier efforts by security authorities to move the herders out of the area, residents claimed the cattle later returned and continued grazing in farmlands.
“We asked them to leave because the farms are our means of livelihood. They keep coming back and destroying crops,” Ating said.
When contacted on telephone by Paradise News, Usman Abubakar Mai, the State Secretary of the Herders Association, confirmed the development, stating that the association has ordered the herders to immediately evacuate the area. He said the association is actively managing the evacuation process to prevent further damage.
Mai disclosed that the incident has already been reported to the police at Zone 6, emphasizing that the association is prioritizing peace over disputes.
“Our work is when we have issues like this, we mediate for peace to reign. So, we have asked them (herders) to leave,” Mai said. “We are not arguing over their (farmers) claims. But for peace to reign, we asked the herders to leave.”
The Secretary noted that the evacuation is already well underway. According to him, only two groups of herders remain in the area, and they are expected to vacate on or before next week.
He further explained that the evacuation is being handled in phases due to the sheer volume of the livestock involved. Mai warned that a simultaneous exit of all herds could lead to further agricultural damage and logistical chaos.
“They cannot move at the same time. Their numbers are too scary,” Mai explained. “If they move one time, they will spoil another farm again. That’s why they are evacuating one by one, so that they will not bring problems on the road in terms of traffic.”
He confirmed that he has remained in communication with local leadership to ensure a smooth withdrawal. “As I am talking to you, even the councillor called me yesterday. So, they are leaving, and we are monitoring the situation,” he said.
Another resident, Pastor Moses Abang, also lamented the impact of the grazing activities on farmers including himself in Calabar South.
Abang said several farmers, particularly women, had lost their scent leaf farms to roaming cattle recently.
“I was just thinking about the women who will go to their farms and discover that everything has been destroyed. Some people spend a lot of money clearing land and planting scent leaf, only for cattle to uproot everything,” he said.
He added that the cattle often enter farms late at night when residents are asleep.
“Sometimes they release the cattle around midnight. By morning, you go to the farm and find that the crops have been destroyed,” Abang alleged.
Residents also claimed that the seasonal migration pattern of the herders contributes to the recurring disputes, noting that cattle often move into irrigated farms during the dry season when natural grazing areas are limited.
Community leaders said they have reported the matter to local authorities, including the leadership of the local government, and are seeking lasting solutions to prevent further clashes.
They warned that unless decisive measures are taken to regulate grazing in the area, the situation could deteriorate.
“There is already tension in the communities. If nothing is done, this could escalate into a bigger crisis,” a community member said.
Numerous efforts since the second week of the month of March to elicit reaction from the Cross River State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, has proven abortive. In his last reaction to NEGROIDHAVEN requesting for information, the PPRO Sunday said “Give me 5 min(sic).”
