The seventh reported invasion of investigative journalist Ibanga Isine’s farm has renewed concerns about the enforcement of Akwa Ibom State’s anti-open-grazing law, even as authorities promise tougher prosecution of offending herders.
The repeated destruction of Mr Isine’s farm by suspected herders has sparked fresh questions about the enforcement of the state’s anti-open-grazing legislation, despite government assurances that a multi-agency task force is addressing the issue.
Mr Isine, who has documented recurring cattle invasions of his Uyo-based farm, alleged that suspected herders entered the property for the seventh time last week, destroying crops, irrigation infrastructure, and other farm investments.
He stated that the repeated invasions have resulted in total losses of ₦70 million in farm investment.
In a Facebook post from S day, Mr Isine noted: “As of today, we have lost ₦70 million of our investments. We lost about ₦35 million last year, and the herders have doubled the losses with this seventh invasion. That excludes the invasion of our second farm in Shelter Afrique Estate.”
