Communities in Northern Cross River State are currently dealing with a series of destructive fires, as young hunters searching for rats, snakes, and rabbits have reportedly caused extensive damage to yam barns and farmlands by setting bushes ablaze to flush out their prey.
These groups of hunters, typically consisting of five to ten individuals, head into the forests and scrublands after school or on market days, equipped with machetes, local firearms, and dogs.
However, the fires they ignite to drive out animals often spiral out of control due to the region’s strong harmattan winds, leading to the destruction of valuable crops and agricultural buildings.
“While trying to force the snakes and rats out of their hiding places, they set fire to bushes. The fires, driven by the harmattan wind, often burn out of control, razing yam barns and other valuables,” said John Olopu, who lives in Yache within the Yala Local Government Area.
Many local farmers keep their seedlings and yam supplies for the upcoming rainy season in remote field locations, making them easy targets for these spreading wildfires.
In the North Ukelle area of Yala, a group of youths hunting rabbits set a forest on fire this past Saturday, which resulted in the total loss of a palm and bamboo estate.
“They did this to my palm estate two years ago, and the entire harvest was lost. Despite warnings, they returned this year and destroyed my palms again,” shared a frustrated farmer named Udu Ngang.
In the village of Alebo, farmer Odey Adayi reported that his entire stock of seed yams for the year’s planting was destroyed.
In a show of community spirit, some neighbors have stepped in with donations and replacement seeds to help him get back on his feet.
A similar tragedy struck Oloko Ogwope village, where a young farmer, Odama Goddy, lost his entire yam barn, including large yams and carefully saved seedlings. “To many, a yam barn may seem like a simple structure, but for a farmer, it represents months of sweat, sacrifice, and hope for the future. Seeing it turn to ashes is heartbreaking,” he remarked.
In the Okuku community, Ajepe Sunday also suffered a significant loss when fires started by hunters spread during a market day, destroying 11 bags of rice.
Elder Aleje Ejaki expressed deep concern over how these young people could ever make up for such devastating losses, pointing out that centuries of hunting have already made rats and snakes scarce in the area. “We are meant to protect and support one another, not destroy the fruits of honest labour. When the sweat of a farmer is burnt, the conscience of society should be stirred,” he said.
Efforts by journalists to get a response from the youths involved were not successful, as none were prepared to speak or accept blame for the widespread damage.
