…promises adequate protection of lives and property
Following the recent attack by herdsmen on Ugaga community in Yala local government area of Cross River North senatorial district, the senator representing the area, Dr Rose Oko, has condemned the attack.
Sen Oko who in a statement signed yesterday, described the act as dastardly and provocative, which was unnecessary and unwarranted.
She promised that the Senate will look into the issue and ensure adequate protection of lives and property.
The statement reads in part: “I condemn in strong terms the attack by Fulani herdsmen that occurred in Ugaga, a peaceful community in my local government, Yala, which is part of the Cross River northern senatorial district which I represent in the Senate, where one was killed and another’s hand was cut off. This dastardly and provocative act is unnecessary and unwarranted.
“In the coming days and weeks I intend to lobby my colleagues in the Senate to support the state government and the good people of Cross River State towards ensuring adequate security of lives and property.
“I urge our people to continue to remain vigilant, law abiding and maintain the peace of the community.”
Meanwhile, she also commended the swift action by the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, over his move to ensure there was no further loss of life.
“I commend his excellency, Governor Ben Ayade for his prompt action and the measure taken so far. His order to the police and other security officials has yielded positive results as I gathered peace and normalcy has been restored.
“I equally thank other state officials, community leaders and security personnel for their prompt response to forestall breakdown of law and order”, she added.
Meanwhile, the Governor on Monday said the attack was traceable to the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law in neigbouring Benue State, which has pushed out herdsmen into parts of northern Cross River State, therefore igniting the clash between them and farmers in Ugaga community.
According to him after due consolidation service chiefs Cross River State will come up with its own version bill called the ‘Open Grazing Control Law’, which will tend to provide for it in a very controlled manner where stiff penalties will be put in place.
“It is obvious that if Cross River State does nothing, the continuous exodus of uncontrolled herdsmen and cattle into Cross River State will result in a situation where more of these conflicts will happen”, he stated.
