By Emma Una

Ogoja – Communities in Northern Cross River State have been rocked by incidents of arson, as youths hunting rats, snakes, and rabbits reportedly set several yam barns on fire while igniting bushes to flush out their prey.

The hunters, often in groups of five to ten, venture into forests and bushes after school hours or on local market days, armed with machetes, local dane guns, and dogs. Fires set to scare animals have frequently spread uncontrollably due to the region’s persistent harmattan winds, destroying crops and farm structures.

“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, a resident of Yache in Yala Local Government Area.

Many farmers store seedlings and yams for the rainy season in remote farm locations, leaving them vulnerable to such uncontrolled fires. In North Ukelle, also in Yala LGA, youths hunting rabbits set fire to a forest on Saturday, destroying 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,” lamented farmer Udu Ngang.

In Alebo village, farmer Odey Adayi reported the loss of his seed yams for the year’s planting. Some community members responded with donations and seed replacements to help him recover.

Similarly, in Oloko Ogwope village, a young farmer, Odama Goddy, lost his yam barn, including fat yams and carefully preserved 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 said.

In Okuku community, Ajepe Sunday also lost 11 bags of rice when hunters’ fires spread uncontrollably during a market day.

Elder Aleje Ejaki questioned how the youths could compensate for such losses, noting that rats and snakes have become increasingly difficult to find due to centuries of hunting. “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.

Attempts by reporters to speak with the youths responsible were unsuccessful, as none were willing to comment or take responsibility for the damage caused.