There was palpable tension in Ohokobe Afara-Ukwu, an urban community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, after unidentified herders abandoned a herd of at least 60 cattle inside a fenced private farm in the early hours of Monday morning.

The destructive intrusion sparked security concerns among residents who mobilised against the ongoing violation of the state’s anti-open grazing laws.

The cattle breached an undeveloped, two-plot farm that features perimeter fencing but lacks a gate. The herders reportedly fled the scene when local youths and elders caught wind of the invasion and gathered near the property.

The farm owner, Mr. Chinedu Nwoko who is the immediate past Youth President of the community expressed shock over the severe damage. He revealed that he was alerted by a neighbour at about 6:02 a.m.

“I ran down to the place and saw the cattle grazing on my crops,” Nwoko told NAN. “They have destroyed all my crops but the herders are nowhere to be found.”

Nwoko, who cultivated a variety of seasonal produce including yam, water yam, cassava, vegetables, okra, and maize, estimated his financial losses to be at least N5 million.

He confirmed that the incident has been formally reported to the World Bank Police Division.

He also made an urgent appeal to the Abia State Government to strictly enforce the ban on open grazing within the capital metropolis, noting that while similar seasonal invasions have occurred repeatedly in the past, this was the first time the actors were caught red-handed.

Reacting to the incident, the current Youth President of the community, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwosu, condemned the “ugly development” and expressed worry over its unprecedented magnitude, especially given the area’s status as an urban settlement.

He questioned why herders continue to disregard the state’s active Anti-Open Grazing Act and challenged security agencies to implement the law effectively.

Nwosu further noted that the Ibeku Egwuasa socio-cultural organization has condemned the attack and is already in talks with the leadership of Miyetti Allah in the state to de-escalate tensions.

According to him, the cattle owners themselves have denounced the invasion, stating that they never authorised grazing in the community since specific grazing zones have already been designated.

Chief Jerry Mbonu, a community leader, described the incident as unacceptable and alarming, pointing out that the destroyed crops were only weeks away from harvest, warning that the recurring lawlessness poses a major threat to lives and property.

Mbonu disclosed that the community has reached an advanced stage in plans to establish a local vigilance group with full police approval to prevent future occurrences.