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19.07.2012 Crime & Punishment

Agogo residents apprehensive as eviction deadline nears

19.07.2012 LISTEN
By GNA

Juaso (Ash), July 19, GNA – There is growing anxiety among residents of Agogo in the Asante-Akim North District as the deadline for eviction of the Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in the area nears.

With barely five days left, there appears to be no sign of the herdsmen leaving.

This has led to intense pressure on the leadership of the youth associations, whose members are publicly expressing skepticism about the government's sincere commitment towards flushing them out.

An-11 member committee set up by the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to draw up an evacuation plan following a court order to remove the herdsmen from Agogo lands had recommended that they are forcefully ejected.

Mr Kingsley Obeng of the Agogomanmma Kuo said there is widespread suspicion that the REGSEC would not have the political will to throw out the nomads and their animals that had brought much pain, anguish and trauma to farmers in the area.

He said failure by the Council to enforce the Committee's recommendations could create an explosive situation.

Mr Obeng said there could be no excuse for the continued occupation of their lands by the Fulani after the July 24 deadline.

They have had enough of the nuisance, lawlessness, atrocities and destruction of their crops by the herdsmen and their cattle.

Mr. Pesse Danquah of the Concerned Citizens of Agogo Group said even the few herdsmen, who had moved to the Kwahu section of the Afram Plains have been returning in the night to the Agogo part with their animals to graze.

GNA

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