Reports of herdsmen perpetrating violence against residents of Okoyong Usanga Abasi, Ikot Essien, and Atang Mbakara Okoyong communities in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State, are on the rise.

As a result, many community members have fled to the forests for fear of being attacked and killed by the herdsmen.

Hundreds of herdsmen, along with thousands of their cows, are reportedly occupying farmlands in several southern Cross River coastal communities.

Yesterday, the herdsmen allegedly attacked a community youth leader at his residence, leaving him with machete wounds.

The youth leader, whose name was not disclosed, managed to escape but suffered deep cuts on his head and body.

Sources claim the conflict began when some community elders collected money from one Alhaji to permit the herdsmen to graze their cattle in the communities.

According to residents, the cows have destroyed their crops, and when confronted, the herdsmen claimed Alhaji had paid for everything.

A few days ago, community members resisted the invading cattle, which had been destroying their economic crops for an extended period. This resistance reportedly angered the herdsmen, leading to continuous attacks on the community, particularly targeting the youths.

A resident, Madam Emem, lamented that they could no longer access their farms as herders had blocked the roads leading to them.

However, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a leader of the Hausa/Fulani community in Ntan Obu, Odukpani LGA, stated that they live peacefully with the host community and have kept their cows under control, respecting the value of economic crops.

Confirming the incident, Mr. Richard Inoyo, founder of the Civil Society group Citizens’ Solution Network in Cross River, said his organization received a call earlier this week from Onoyong community, reporting herdsmen attacks and the destruction of farmlands worth N15 million.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, stated that the police have not been briefed but would launch an investigation once security reports confirm the situation.