By Our Reporter
The peace and productivity of the government-owned cocoa estates in Etung Local Government Area are under siege, as cocoa farmers raise grave allegations of violent harassment, illegal arrests, and brutal attacks—all linked to one man: Oscar Ofuka, a former aide to ex-Governor Ben Ayade.
Under the platform of Concerned Cocoa Farmers, Pastor Ubi Ofem, Martins Isaac and Obi Amba have cried out to the state government to end what they describe as a reign of terror being unleashed by Ofuka through the use of armed uniformed officers and local thugs. These farmers, who legally acquired cocoa plots through government allocation, now face daily threats, inhumane treatment, and economic sabotage, making it nearly impossible to sustain their livelihood.
In a recent disturbing incident, Ofuka’s hired enforcers reportedly stormed a farm and left a farmer severely macheted. It took the intervention of community leaders to arrest the hoodlums, who are now in police custody and have been transferred to Calabar for further investigation. Yet, the attacks persist—unabated, and emboldened by silence from relevant authorities.
The farmers lament that Ofuka’s unchecked actions have crippled cocoa activities, with many unable to access or tend to their farms due to fear of assault or arrest. According to them, several youth have already lost their lives in previous altercations linked to similar estate crises. “This one man has caused too many deaths, too much destruction. He must be stopped before this degenerates beyond repair,” Pastor Ubi Ofem declared.
They insist that Ofuka’s activities amount to gross abuse of power, illegal use of force, and deliberate economic sabotage against Cross Riverians who have chosen agriculture over crime. “We paid the government. We followed due process. Why then are we being punished by the very system that should protect us?” asked Obi Amba.
The farmers are demanding urgent intervention from the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, to bring Oscar Ofuka to justice. They are calling for a full investigation into the atrocities allegedly committed under his orders, and for the immediate deployment of protective security operatives to the estates to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
This is not just a matter of land—it is now a matter of security, of justice, and of survival. The farmers warn that continued government silence will be viewed as complicity, and if action is not taken soon, they may be left with no choice but to take laws into their own hands in defense of their lives, their dignity, and their investments.
The time to act is now. Cross River cannot afford to allow one man to destabilize an entire agricultural community and drag the government’s reputation into disrepute. Oscar Ofuka must be stopped before his actions spark irreversible crisis.
