Six houses belonging to Fulani herdsmen in Gomoa Amenfi have been set ablaze by locals following a dispute over crop destruction. The incident occurred after cattle from a Fulani-owned ranch reportedly destroyed a green pepper farm in the area. In retaliation, some workers from the farm stormed the Fulani settlement, setting six houses on fire and destroying several personal belongings. One of the Fulani herdsmen, who was physically assaulted during the attack, is currently receiving treatment at Otoo Memorial Hospital in Winneba.
Speaking to Citi News, Sheifu Ibrahim, one of the affected individuals, expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that women and children in the Fulani community are now living in fear and uncertainty. “The attack happened around 6 am yesterday [Sunday, March 30]. I was walking my animals to graze, and all I heard was noise from the Fulani community. I got there only to realize that six houses belonging to us had been set ablaze by local farmers in the area because one of our cattle had gone to destroy a pepper farm belonging to one of the farmers.
“I lost several properties to the fire, including money and some clothing,” Sheifu Ibrahim told Citi News. Sheifu Ibrahim further explained that his mother, who was sleeping at the time of the attack, sustained minor injuries on her back, adding that the timely intervention of some neighbors prevented her mother from being burnt in the inferno. “They came to attack us at 6 am in the morning. The locals were six in number and were carrying gallons of petrol with them when they came. We pleaded with them, but they never heeded our plea. At the time they came there were only women and children in the house who were all vulnerable.
“My sick mother survived only because there were people in the house who rescued her; other than that, she would have been dead by now,” Sheifu Ibrahim said. The six individuals who attacked and burnt down the house are currently in the grips of the Effutu Municipal Police command, pending investigation.
The Fulani herdsmen, however, called for justice to be served in the matter and the perpetrators brought to book. “Today [Monday, March 31] is sallah, and it is one of the worst days of our lives because the clothing of the women and children have all been burnt in the fire.
“I want the perpetrators brought to book and compensated for our properties that have been destroyed. The farmers could have used a more civil way to resolve the problem,” Sheifu Ibrahim said.
By: Calvis Tetteh
