(Okey Sampson, ABA)
Palpable tensions envelope the Abala community in Obingwa Local Government of Abia State as Fulani herdsmen with over 200 cows were reported to have invaded the community attacked farmers mostly women and destroyed their crops.
Report had it that the herdsmen numbering over 10 attacked some women at their farms as well as traders from Akwa Ibom state who were on their way to the Orie market in Abala.
According to local source, the women who were alleged to have been attacked in their farms came home and reported the matter to some elders of the community who in turn reported the matter to the police.
The source further that the Fulani herdsmen were shooting guns sporadically to chase away the farmers but had to fled when combined team of security personal arrived the area.
There was report that some natives of the community have fled their homes and are now taking refuge in neighbouring communities even as a community leader was quoted to have warned the community vigilance group not to take laws into their hands.
There was said to been fear in the community as they were afraid that the herdsmen may come back to the place late in the night.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Police Command, ASP Ogbonnaya Nta, denied the incident.