…call for implementation of Livestock Management and Grazing Law
The State Legislature has condemned the recent destruction of farms in Ukpada village in Bekwara Local Government Area by Fulani cattle resulting in huge losses for farmers.
The Lawmakers consequently called on the State Government to take steps towards the systematic evacuation of the Fulani herders as a permanent solution to the problem.
They also resolved that the State Government should, as a matter of urgency, implement the Cross River State Livestock Management and Grazing Law passed by the 9th Assembly.
The Lawmakers made the resolutions following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the Member representing Bekwara State Constituency and Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Charles Omang Omang.
According to Omang, the women of Ukpada village in his constituency, on the 1st of July 2024, carried out a peaceful protest on the “wanton destruction of their farms with impunity and reckless abandon” by Fulani herders who had taken possession of their farms.
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The Bekwara Lawmaker expressed sadness that his constituents, who are mostly farmers, are now afraid to go to their farms because of the presence of Fulani herders who allegedly carry dangerous weapons.
Contributing to the debate, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, condemned the activities of the Fulani herders whom he said prefer their cattle to human beings adding that the problem is not peculiar to Bekwara but also in other LGAs across the State.
Also supporting the matter, both the Majority and Minority Leaders, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo and Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, respectively stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent crisis in the area.
The majority of Lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed displeasure over the situation, while several of them cited similar incidents in their constituencies. They emphasized that the situation, if not checked, will negatively affect the production of food in the State.
On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem recalled his efforts as a Member of the 9th Assembly when herdsmen took possession of the farmlands in his constituency. He decried the activities of herdsmen who allow their cattle to destroy farms and crops adding that the implementation of the Livestock Management and Grazing Law will greatly facilitate peaceful coexistence as well as secure farmers’ investment.