By Our Correspondent
Tension is at a boiling point in the government-owned cocoa estates of Etung Local Government Area, where farmers are crying out over the escalating reign of terror allegedly orchestrated by Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade.
Under the aegis of Concerned Cocoa Farmers, Martins Isaac, Pastor Ubi Ofem, and Obi Amba have issued a strong appeal to the Cross River State Government, demanding immediate action to curtail what they describe as Ofuka’s rampaging and criminal activities.
According to the farmers, Ofuka has been unleashing thugs and armed uniformed officers on legitimate cocoa farmers—men and women who lawfully obtained plots from the state government. These attacks, they say, have led to injuries, destruction of property, and in past cases, even deaths of vibrant young members of the community.
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“He’s not a government official. He has no mandate. Yet he’s going around the cocoa estates like a warlord—arresting, torturing, and brutalizing law-abiding farmers,” said Pastor Ubi Ofem. “This madness must end. The government must call him to order before we lose more lives.”
The most recent horror occurred just days ago, when Ofuka’s hired thugs stormed cocoa farms and violently attacked innocent farmers, leaving one with deep machete wounds. It took the intervention of local leaders to prevent the situation from escalating. The attackers were arrested and are currently in police custody in Calabar.
Martins Isaac added, “We’re losing yield, we’re losing investment, and we’re losing our peace. Every time Ofuka strikes, farmers are forced to abandon their work. This isn’t just economic sabotage—it’s psychological warfare.”
The farmers warned that government complacency is fanning the flames of tension. “If this terror continues unchecked, we may be left with no option than to defend ourselves. We’re peace-loving citizens, but we will not be slaughtered on our own farms,” Obi Amba stated.
The group called on Governor Bassey Otu, the Ministry of Agriculture, and security agencies to investigate and prosecute Ofuka for his alleged atrocities, noting that no one man should be allowed to hijack government land or use violence to settle personal scores.
“This is not just a cry for help. This is a red alert,” they said. “If the state does not act now, the cocoa estates of Etung may soon descend into anarchy—and the blame will rest squarely on the government’s silence.”
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