Destruction of our crops by cattle cause of attack in Awka farmland - Residents

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By Madu Obi

Farmers at Agu Ifite Awka, Anambra State, have attributed Tuesday's attack on the residential settlement of cattle rearers in the area to alleged uncontrolled destruction of crops by cattle on their farmlands.

According to the farmers, who spoke on Wednesday, the destruction had continued despite pleas by the villagers to the herders to desist from grazing on the planted areas.

A visit to the area showed that numerous crops, including cassava, corn , vegetables and yams, were badly damaged by suspected cattle, leading to what was described as a retaliatory attack by the farmers.

The Anambra State Police command said that following a distress report, operatives of the joint security team rushed to the scene, adding that on arrival, four people were allegedly discovered with fatal injuries arising from suspected machete cuts, while two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said it was further observed that four dead cows were seen within the vicinity, while two other cattles were slaughtered.

According to the PPRO, the attackers were allegedly armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes.

He said that it was one of the survivors of the attack, who escaped unharmed, that is assisting the Police- led joint security team with useful information in the ongoing investigation.

Describing the incident as part of a calculated criminal plot aimed at creating ethnic tension and undermining the existing peace and security in the state, the Police noted that Anambra people have continued to demonstrate unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and have refused to be drawn into divisive ethnic narratives.

He added that the security team has already engaged relevant community leaders, representatives of the affected settlers, and other critical stakeholders, to strengthen confidence, obtain firsthand information, and coordinate ongoing security measures.

"Intelligence gathered from survivors and other credible sources has provided useful leads. Consequently, security operatives have intensified intelligence-driven and coordinated manhunt operations to identify, apprehend, and bring all those involved in the attack to justice.

"The Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.

"The Command also reiterates its commitment to protecting every law-abiding resident of Anambra State, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, and assures that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted", the PPRO said.

Meanwhile, the Police Command has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the residential community settlement in the state through the Sarkin Fulani, assuring that it is committed to conducting a thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.