SAN FRANCISCO, April 01, (THEWILL) – Suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed no fewer than 10 persons in Obio Usiere in Eniong Abatim, Odukpani local government area of Cross River state in a raid that forced rural dwellers to run for dear lives, the Village Head, Apostle Iya Effiong Orok, told newsmen on Saturday.
He explained that although it was earlier reported that two members of the community were killed last week in an attack by the herdsmen, it was later discovered that eight more persons were killed as the two bodies that were recovered immediately after the first attack.
Orok 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 its 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.”
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