Chidiebube Okeoma , Owerri
There is panic in the Assa community in the Ohaji / Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State as Fulani herdsmen have taken over the community .
The traditional ruler of the community , Eze Emmanuel Asor , who spoke to our correspondent on Monday , said his community was facing imminent famine owing to the activities of the herders .
The monarch said no fewer than 250 cows were grazing in various farmlands in the community .
He said all entreaties made by the community for the herders to leave the area with their cows had been unsuccessful .
The traditional ruler said “My people are predominantly farmers . Our land has been taken over by oil companies operating in our community . The little land we have for farming has been invaded by Fulani herdsmen .
“Our youths are spoiling for a war, but we do not want any bloodshed . We have notified the authorities of the menace of the Fulani herdsmen in our community .”
One of the affected farmers, Clement Onuma, told our correspondent that all his crops had been eaten by the cows the Fulani herdsmen stationed in his farmland for weeks now.
He said “ As we speak , our cassava , yam and other farm crops have been destroyed by the cows they stationed on our farmlands .”
Chairman , Community Security Committee , Mr Monday Ahakpo , told our correspondent that the community had communicated the deputy governor of the state , Gerald Irona, about the menace of herders in the community .
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state , Orlando Ikeokwu , when contacted, promised to get back to our correspondent , but he had yet to do so as of press time .
Copyright PUNCH .
