Farmers from Benue State who camp in Ochongo villages in the state’s Yala LGA are said to have attacked local farmers and killed one person, according to Mr. Odey Wonah, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly who represents Yala 1 State Constituency.
He made the accusation yesterday at a plenary session of the Assembly.
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He pleaded for the prompt dispatch of security personnel to Ochongo in order to stop more assaults and killings in rural areas.
He asserted that the Benue campers had previously been paying royalty but are now occupying their grounds forcibly.
“My people have been coexisting peacefully with these campers for years,” Wonah remarked in front of the assembly. They use our land for farming and provide the community royalties, but this year when the growing season started, they didn’t give the community anything.
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“They attacked them when some residents of the Ochongo village confronted them about the problem. Others suffered injuries of varying severity while one person was killed.
My people are mostly farmers, but this season they have stopped coming to their farms out of fear of being attacked. I pray that security agents will be sent immediately to prevent repeat occurrences of the horrible atrocities and that those responsible will be held accountable.
Mr. Agbor Dickson, a representative for the Obubra 1 State Constituency, also commented on the motion, stating that immediate action was required in order to restore peace to the local area and community.
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“Yala LGA produces a significant amount of the food consumed in Cross River and elsewhere. Hunger will exist in 2024 if nothing was done to encourage people to return to their farms, he said.
In response, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House, denounced the attack and the death of a community member.
The Speaker gave his word that they will take action to prevent any kind of escalation.
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