The residents of Gbefi in the Kpando Municipality have called on relevant authorities to ensure that Nomadic Herdsmen promptly vacate their farmlands within a week.

At a press briefing, these concerned residents voiced their distress over the illegal occupation of their lands by these herdsmen, citing instances of harassment and encroachment on their agricultural activities.

A spokesperson for the community, Toirgbe Kweku Dua, recounted a grim history of past incidents involving the herdsmen.

He recalled an unfortunate event from as far back as 1970 when a young lady was raped and killed while fetching firewood along the Gbefi-Kpando road, allegedly at the hands of Fulani herdsmen.

In 2008, another incident involved the destruction of farmlands and properties by cattle, accompanied by acts of violence, arrogance, and a lack of willingness to compensate farmers for their losses.

Efforts to seek assistance from the police and relevant authorities yielded no action. The community leaders attempted multiple interventions to resolve the issue but were met with fruitless outcomes.

Toirgbe Dua explained that due to the escalating damages and the herdsmen's refusal to comply with directives, the community's youth were forced to use minimal force to expel the herdsmen, resulting in a temporary period of peace.

However, on August 16, the herdsmen returned with over 150 cattle, which alarmed the residents.

In response, elders confronted the cattle owners, ordered them to relocate their kraal away from Gbefi land, and gave them a two-week deadline to comply. Regrettably, the cattle continued to graze on the land, prompting further action from the community.

Delegations from the community approached the Municipal Chief Executive, Geoffrey Kodzo Badasu, and the Divisional Commander, seeking a swift response. However, their efforts remained in vain.

Toirgbe Dua expressed his concern about the seemingly inadequate response from the police, raising suspicions of collusion between law enforcement and the Fulani herdsmen.

He emphasised that the Gbefi community deserved better treatment from their Municipal Assembly and the Police Command.

“If our socio-economic structures, such as farming, which is the mainstay of the locals, cannot be protected, then the security of our people cannot be guaranteed as well.”

He lamented that the community's security structures were failing in their mandate to protect its citizens and called for a focus on curbing threats to life and livelihood.

The residents are now urgently appealing to higher authorities to address the situation by instructing the Municipal Chief Executive and the Police Command to take appropriate actions.

They emphasise that no contractual agreement exists between the landowners (Gbefi Community) and the Fulani herdsmen, absolving the community of any liability for theft or property loss.