The traditional ruler of Umu Obasiukwu 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 security in the community, had, on several occasions, attacked owners of such farms with dangerous weapons, when the farmers confronted 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 complaints to the security agencies appeared to be falling on deaf ears.
According to the traditional ruler, “it is unimaginable that the community, which used to pride itself as the food basket of the state has become impoverished.”
He said much as the herdsmen like other citizens of the country in pursuit of their legitimate business, were welcome in the community, their presence should, by no means, jeopardise its peace and security.
The royal father called on the Federal Government to urgently find a lasting solution to the problem, adding that had it not been for the peaceful disposition of his people, the situation might have got out of hand before now.
Earlier, while declaring the meeting open, 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 persons against taking the law into their hands.
