By Anietie Akpan
Cross River Police Command has waded into the farmers-herders conflicts in Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Last week there were reports in the media of herders attacking farms and the police confirmed they received complaints on destruction of farms by cattle and heard response from cattle rearers’ representative regarding prior warnings issued by Odukpani LGC.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Odukpani, with the approval of the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua convened and interfaced with key stakeholders (Clan Heads, Village Heads, Youth Leaders, Women Representatives, and Chairman of Cattle Rearers, CRS) over the matter.
The meeting according to the police raised an allegation against one Hon. Ukpong Edet Godwin Edet concerning “collection of ₦4,000,000 from cattle rearers to permit grazing”.
Police further said that the Clan Head was directed “to report to the station with concerned parties for clarification”
While all parties were advised “to maintain peace and channel grievances through the Police to prevent breakdown of law and order.p”
