A growing dispute among farmers at the Abonita Cocoa Estate in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State has sparked renewed tensions, with reports of alleged intimidation and forceful takeover of farmland surfacing over the weekend.
A group of farmers has accused a fellow estate member, Mbu Liku, of bringing military personnel into the farming community to exert pressure, seize crops, and prevent others from accessing their allocated land. According to these aggrieved farmers, uniformed men have allegedly assaulted several individuals in what they claim is a bid to dominate cocoa harvests unlawfully.
Among those who raised the alarm are Joseph Ekong, Pastor Duke Njor, Ekuri Boniface, Nic Ntui, Clement Isong-Amba, and Pastor Etta Roland. They insist that the recurring presence of armed soldiers has left many farmers fearful and unable to tend their plots freely.
In response to the accusations, Mbu Liku strongly denied any involvement with security forces, dismissing the allegations as baseless and malicious. Speaking from Calabar during a conversation with South South Punch, Liku maintained that he has no authority or capacity to deploy military personnel and suggested that the claims were part of a broader campaign to tarnish his image.
“It’s simply not true,” he said. “I’m just a regular farmer like everyone else. I’ve never called on any soldier to threaten or harm anyone. Those pointing fingers at me are likely uncomfortable with increased security presence because they might have things to hide.”
He further alleged that the controversy is being stirred by individuals with ulterior motives, mentioning a certain Njor Asu as someone potentially backing the unrest.
Attempts to reach Asu for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, the ongoing friction has cast a shadow over cocoa production at the estate, which is a significant agricultural hub in the region. Observers are urging local authorities to intervene promptly to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety and rights of all farmers are upheld.
