Youths Threaten Showdown Against Herdsmen Over Invasion Of Farmlands, Destruction Of Crops In Imo Communities

While there has been peace of the graveyard over the destructive activities of herdsmen in Imo, the people of Assa community in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have cried out over the wanton destruction of their farmlands by suspected herdsmen.

The villagers are crying even as the crops are still still growing thereby inflicting unimaginable losses.

The villagers have called on the state government to intervene.

They also asked the leadership of the Hausa/ Fulani community in the state to ask the suspects to vacate their community.

According to the residents, the latest attack is the second in the year.

One of the victims, identified simply as Eddy, said the herdsmen destroyed a lot of crops.

“We are calling on the authorities to come to our aid. Fulani herdsmen are destroying our farmlands with their cows. They invaded our farmlands and destroyed our means of survival,” he said.

The Secretary of Umuepe Youth Movement, Amaechi Ezekwe, said hunger was imminent in the community due to the “nefarious activities of these herders.”

He said, “For over a week now, Fulani herdsmen have invaded our farmlands and destroyed crops running into millions of naira. The youth are threatening a showdown with them, but we are urging them to be calm. This was what they did last year. We are saying enough is enough.”

Another resident, Reuben Keruo, said the traditional ruler of the community had reported the incident to the leadership of the herders in the state, but nothing was done.

He said, “Our people are naturally farmers, but as we speak we are losing everything. Our crops have been destroyed. The Fulani herdsmen in our community are destroying them. Let those concerned tell them to vacate our farmlands.”

The spokesperson for the police in the state, Micheal Abattam, had yet to respond to our correspondent’s inquiry on the incident as of press time.

The same crisis is being witnessed at Avu Community farmlands as the community is helpless.

Speaking, one of the Youth Leaders who simply identified himself as Iwuchukwu describes their case as that of suffering and smiling.

“Just come to our farmlands behind Heartland Estate, you will notice that all the herds of cattle led by unruly herdsmen have all relocated to our farmlands, destroying any crops in sight.

“We hope that Governor Uzodimma will change his mind and intervene”.