NO fewer than 10 people have been allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen in Obio Usiere in Eniong Abatim, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Village Head of Obio Usiere, Apostle Iya Effiong Orok, who raised the alarm yesterday, said although it was initially reported that two members of the community were killed last week in an attack by the herdsmen, the community discovered that eight more persons were killed.

Orok said the two people earlier reported were just people whose bodies were recovered immediately as at the time of the first attack.

He said: “We have lost nothing less than 10 people in this attack by Fulani herdsmen. They normally come during the dry season to feed their cattle in our area. The same incident occurred two years ago when two people were shot dead, now it’s 10 people”

“As I speak with you, Obio Usiere has been deserted, our women are afraid to go their farms because they rape them in the bush and no one can help them. These people are heavily armed and we are just helpless.

“We have reported to both Police, DSS and other security agencies and we are using this opportunity to call on Governor Ben Ayade to help us because about 3,500 people are now homeless, we have become refugees in our own land.

“It’s about a week this incident took place; it is true that some police men were sent here but the shortfall in logistics is a big challenge. We are afraid to go back to our ancestral home because we know what is happening in Enugu, Delta, Benue and we don’t like shedding blood on our land, it is a taboo for an Efik man to take up arms.”

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the attack, said only one person was killed. Ugbo said normalcy had long returned to the community as policemen have been drafted to the area.

“Our men are on ground 24 hours and we are not aware of any other killing, the rise in the death toll has not been reported to us as I speak with you, and we are not leaving the place,” Ugbo said.

— Apr 3, 2017 @ 1:09 GMT

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