Ukorebi Esien | April 7, 2026
CALABAR – Tension is mounting in parts of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State following renewed allegations of widespread destruction of farmlands by cattle belonging to Fulani herders.
The affected communities, located within the Onim Ankiong Clan, have raised concerns over repeated invasions of their farms by grazing cattle, leading to losses estimated in millions of naira. Villages impacted include Ekemkpon, Atan Akani Obio Okoyong, Esuk Okoyong, Ikot Essien, Ikot Nyong, and Atan Okoyong, among others along the coastal highway axis.
Community leaders say the situation, which escalated in 2023, has triggered frequent disputes between farmers and herders, with fears that it could degenerate into a larger crisis if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking on the development, the village head of Atan Akani Obio Okoyong and Secretary of Onim Ankiong Clan, His Highness Deno Enuo Ekpenyong-Inang Itam Ating, alleged that the crisis intensified after herders resumed grazing in the area despite earlier resistance from host communities.
He explained that although an initial arrangement was reached in 2024 allowing controlled grazing in parts of Ikot Essien village, the agreement was later discontinued after cattle reportedly strayed into other communities and destroyed crops.
“Our farmers cultivate cassava, pumpkin, cucumber and other produce worth millions of naira. When these cattle enter the farms, they destroy everything. This has caused serious hardship for our people,” Ating said.
He added that retaliatory actions by aggrieved farmers have further complicated the situation, including incidents where cows were allegedly killed after destroying crops. According to him, one such confrontation in 2024 reportedly led to the death of a farmer, Mr. Udo Isong Akpan, with the matter handled by the police in Calabar.
Residents say the recurring clashes have drawn the attention of security agencies, including the police and the military, who have intervened at various times to de-escalate tensions and mediate between both parties.
Despite these efforts, community members allege that herders continue to return to the area, allowing cattle to graze freely on cultivated lands, sometimes at night.
A resident, Pastor Moses Abang, lamented the impact on local farmers, particularly women, noting that several have lost their investments to the destruction of crops such as scent leaf.
“People invest heavily in their farms, only to wake up and find everything destroyed overnight. This is affecting livelihoods and increasing frustration in the communities,” he said.
However, the leadership of the herders has acknowledged the situation and initiated steps to prevent further escalation. The State Secretary of the Herders Association, Usman Abubakar Mai, confirmed that herders have been directed to vacate the area.
“Our priority is peace. We have asked them to leave, and the evacuation process is ongoing,” he said, adding that the movement is being done in phases to avoid further damage to farmlands and ensure order.
Mai disclosed that the matter has been reported to security authorities, including the police, and that only a few groups of herders remain in the area, with plans to fully evacuate within days.
Community leaders, while welcoming the move, have called for more sustainable solutions, including the regulation of grazing activities to prevent future occurrences.
They warned that without decisive and lasting intervention, the recurring disputes between farmers and herders could spiral into a broader security challenge.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get an official response from the Cross River State Police Command were unsuccessful.
