In a dramatic turn of events, women from the Ukpada community in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State have taken to the streets to protest against the alleged invasion of their farmlands by cattle herders. The demonstration, which took place on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, has brought to light the growing tensions between local farmers and nomadic herders in the region.
The protest, led by a group of determined women, saw participants wielding fresh tree branches and leaves as they marched through the community. Their primary demand? The immediate evacuation of the herders from their land. The women claim that the presence of these herders and their cattle has led to widespread destruction of their crops, particularly cassava farms, which serve as a crucial source of livelihood for many in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the women’s chants and placards bore messages expressing their frustration and fear. One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We can no longer sit idly by while our farms are destroyed and our lives threatened. These herders must leave our community now.”
The situation in Ukpada is not an isolated incident. Similar conflicts between farmers and herders have been reported across various parts of Nigeria in recent years. These clashes often stem from competition over limited resources, particularly land and water, as climate change and desertification push nomadic herders further south in search of grazing land for their cattle.
Local authorities have been called upon to address the situation urgently. The women protesters are demanding immediate action from both the Bekwarra Local Government and the Cross River State Government to ensure the safety of their community and the protection of their farmlands.
A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, explained, “Our people are predominantly farmers. The destruction of our crops by these herders’ cattle is not just an economic issue; it threatens our very existence. We need the government to intervene before the situation escalates further.”
The protest has also raised concerns about food security in the region. Cassava, being a staple crop in Cross River State, plays a vital role in the local economy and diet. The large-scale destruction of cassava farms could potentially lead to food shortages and economic hardship for the affected communities.
Environmental experts have weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the government needs to implement sustainable land management policies to address the root causes of these conflicts. Dr. Amina Bello, an agricultural economist at the University of Calabar, stated, “What we’re seeing is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. We need policies that balance the needs of both farmers and herders while also considering environmental sustainability.”
The Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture, when reached for comment, assured that the government is aware of the situation and is working on measures to address the concerns of both the farmers and the herders. “We are committed to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to this issue. Our priority is to ensure the safety and livelihoods of all our citizens,” the commissioner stated.
As tensions continue to simmer, there are calls for dialogue between the farming communities and the herders. Some civil society organizations have suggested the establishment of designated grazing routes and reserves as a potential solution to minimize conflicts.
The protest in Ukpada has also caught the attention of national media, with many drawing parallels to similar incidents in other parts of the country. This has reignited debates about the need for a comprehensive national policy on grazing and land use.
As the sun set on the protest, the women of Ukpada made it clear that they would not back down until their demands are met. Their actions have not only highlighted the plight of their community but have also brought renewed focus to the broader issues of land rights, food security, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s diverse agricultural landscape.
With the situation still unfolding, all eyes are now on the local and state governments to see how they will respond to this crisis. Will they be able to find a solution that addresses the concerns of both the farming communities and the herders? Only time will tell.
As the dust settles on this latest protest, one thing is clear: the women of Ukpada have sown the seeds of change, and they’re determined to reap a harvest of justice.
