As the government struggles to tackle the raging tension between Fulani herdsmen and indegines in some parts of the country, the Acting President of the Kwahu Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Nana Akyemfo Asiedu Agyeman, has charged his people to arm themselves and clear the Fulanis in the area by next month, if government fails to enforce the new deadline.
He said he will lead his people to drive out the Fulani herdsmen with machetes and guns if the authorities do not act quickly.
The Chief’s call follows a similar one by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Awuntubuge Awuni, who has also directed security personnel in the region to shoot and kill what he calls “stubborn cows” belonging to Fulani herdsmen in the region.
[contextly_sidebar id=”d3j6uh9jH7bWAoYwRHu0n21SLbX9T0fe”]He gave the order during the re-launch of the campaign, “Operation Cow Leg” aimed at driving out some of the Fulani herdsmen who are said to be causing trouble in the area.
The Fulani herdsmen have gained notoriety over the years for various alleged vices like robbery, murder, rape and destruction of farmlands using their cattle.
Nana Akyemfo Asiedu Agyeman, speaking to Citi News, indicated strongly that he and his people would be fighting to secure their land from destruction.
“If it comes to fighting with our blood to secure our land, I am promising that I will do that. If they do not move from our land or leave our land for us, we will do it.”
Nana Akyemfo Asiedu Agyeman, like many other individuals kicking against the Fulanis, described them as dangerous and urged his people to arm themselves to kick them by the expiration of the new deadline in March.
“We know cows are dangerous animals and sometimes these Fulani herdsmen know how to talk to their cows so the cows will tread on people who come closer to them… and so we have to arm ourselves so that in case such a thing happens, we can defend ourselves with clubs, machetes and sticks and guns. By March, we don’t want to see them again.”
He added that the activities of the herdsmen has affected crop production in the area, coupled with the violent acts they allegedly perpetrate.
“These people never allowed us to farm this season and because of that there is going to be shortage of cereals this year and the Fulani herdsmen are raping our people, killing them as well and villagers have deserted their settlements because of this menace.”
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By Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana