By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – A former Honourable, Hon. Ukpong Edet Godwin Edet, has been accused of collecting N4 million from herders to permit open grazing in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The accusations were made during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Cross River State Police Command to address the farmer-herder tussle in the local government.
Recall that last week, farmers and landowners in several communities in Odukpani raised alarm over increasing incursions by herders, accusing them of destroying crops and threatening residents with rifles.
Some of the affected communities include, Ntan Obu, Ukwa Eburutu, Okoyong, Atan Okoyong, Inua Akpa, Okurikang, Eniong Abatim, among others.
The villagers who aired their complaints during a live phone-in programme on HIT 95.9 FM, Calabar, said, “These cows have ravaged nearby farms, and when villagers protest, the herders intimidate them with guns.
Adding, “They move about with their cows carrying rifles. They scare farmers who challenge them. People are now afraid to speak up while their farms are being destroyed.”
Following the unrest, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Odukpani to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address the situation.
A report of the meeting made available to newsmen by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, on Tuesday, directed the clan heads to report to the station with the concerned parties.
According to the report, the police “received complaints on destruction of farms by cattle and heard a response from cattle rearers’ representative regarding prior warnings issued by Odukpani LGC.
“Noted allegation against Hon. Ukpong Edet Godwin Edet concerning collection of ₦4,000,000 from cattle rearers to permit grazing.
“Directed the Clan Head to report to the station with concerned parties for clarification (yet to comply),” as well as, “advised all parties to maintain peace and channel grievances through the Police to prevent breakdown of law and order.”
Those present at the meeting were: HRH Edet Nyong Edet – Clan Head, Ndon; HH Etetim Etim Ekpo – Village Head, Esit Ikot Ndon; HH Okon Edet Okon – Village Head, Obot Obio Inwang; HH Asuquo Asuquo Okon – Village Head, Calabar River; Okon Essien Okon – Youth Leader, Esuk Odot; Elder Bassey Edet Okon – Youth Leader, Obot Obio Inwang; Prince Okon – SA to the Chairman, Odukpani LGA; Alh. Bakare Sambo – Chairman, Cattle Rearers, Cross River State (representing cattle rearers in CRS); Clan Heads; Village Heads; Youth Leaders and Women Representatives.
