Nnaya Eziyi, Umuahia
Traditional Ruler of Umu Obasiukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ozuitem, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze John Akaliro has accused Fulani herdsmen of destroying crops worth over N14 million in the community.
Eze Akaliro stated this while speaking to our correspondent after attending a Farmers/Herdsmen Conflicts Resolution Committee meeting with relevant stakeholders in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.
He also alleged that the herdsmen, who he described as a threat to the security of the community, had on several occasions attacked owners of such farms with dangerous weapons when the farmers confront them.
“We have become so threatened by fears of the attacks that most often we find it very difficult to either walk or work alone in bush paths or our farms because we never can tell when they will come,” he said.
He maintained that the development had caused widespread hunger, disillusion, and disenchantment among the people, saying their complains to the security agencies appear to be falling on deaf ears.
According to the onetime chairman of the state council of traditional rulers, “It is unimaginable that the community which used to pride it self as the food basket of the state have become impoverished.”
He said much as the herdsmen like other citizens of the country were welcomed in the community in pursuit of legitimate businesses, their presence should by no means jeopardise its peace and security.
He called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the issue as soon as possible, adding that had it not been for the peaceful disposition of the people, it might have gone out of hand before now.
Speaking while declaring the meeting opens, the State Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the committee, Mr. Anthony Ogbizi sued for harmonious living among the people for peace and development.
He said the command was committed to ensuring unhindered security of lives and property in the state and appealed to the people against taking the law into their hands.
