By NSAN NDOMA -NEJI, Calabar
Cocoa contractors operating at the government-owned Abonita cocoa estate in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, have once again appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to withdraw soldiers allegedly intimidating and harassing allotment holders at the behest of a cocoa merchant, Mr Mbu Liku.
The contractors issued the plea during an interview with our correspondent in Etung LGA yesterday.
The farmers expressed dismay that an individual holding no political office could allegedly deploy soldiers to intimidate fellow farmers.
Among those voicing their grievances were Joseph Ekong, Duke Njor, Ekuri Boniface, Nic Ntui, Clement Isong-Amba, and Pastor Etta Roland. They claimed to have endured repeated assaults by soldiers providing security for Mr Liku.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Nic Ntui alleged that the soldiers had been barring them from accessing their cocoa plots, despite having legitimately paid the state government for their allotments.
According to the spokesperson, soldiers frequently raid the estate, forcibly ejecting the farmers, subjecting them to harassment, and clearing the way for Mr Liku to harvest cocoa beans that rightfully belong to the allotment holders.
In his words Ntui said, “There’s there already an existing ruling in suit No: HM/73/2020. And dismissal in Suit No:HC/MSC 24/2024. An action by way of prerogative orders of mandamus and prohibition.” Ntui maintained.
It would however be recalled that the 32 hectares Abonita cocoa plots have been in dispute over land ownership and allocation of that axis of the estate, with court cases pending in various jurisdictions.
The affected farmers had praid that the ongoing investigation by the military high command be thorough so that the officer in charge of deployment of soldiers for errant to the farms can be fish out and approximate sanction meted to them.
A letter from O. N Agbor & Co Legal Practitioners dated April 4, 2015, signed by S.O Ijeoma Esq, sighted by our Correspondent, alleged that intimidation, arrest and torture of allottees at the Cross River government owned cocoa Estate who are their clients was wrong.
Addressed to Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Armed Forces Complex Area 7 Garki- Abuja,the letter charged immediately withdraw from giving protection to Mbu Liku whose stock in trade is to intimidate fellow farmers who constitute a minutes portion of the small holders’ scheme in the cocoa value chain in the state
The lawyers averred that their clients, the original original lessees of block 7A 8C at Abonita cocoa estate of the Cross River State government’s small holders scheme which lease is granted by the state government via the ministry of Agriculture is still valid and substituting.
Recounting the ordeal which their clients had passed through in the hands of Mbu Liku, the lawyers blamed the soldiers of storming Block 7A-8C at Abonita Cocoa Estate in company of Mbu Liku in March 29, 2025, and on April 2,2025 harassing the allotted, carting way about 5 wet bags cocoa beans and some farm implements including knapsack sprayers after the allottees took to their heels.
“We therefore, write to plead that you use your good office to address this situation which is capable of bringing the highly revered Nigerian army into disrepute.
“While we appreciate the myriad of security challenges being faced by the country, to which the army have been up and doing their best to keep the country save.” The lawyers letter stated.
Contrary to the allegations, Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Cross River state, Capt.Jimoh Jamaila, said the allegation is false as the army is not aware of its personnel assaulting any farmer. “Unless they are able to identify any of our soldiers involved. Let them come mention the name of the soldiers”.
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