Cross River: Bendeghe Ekiem Women, Youths Threaten Naked Protest Over Cocoa Estate Privatization

Etung, Cross River State- Tension is mounting in the Bendeghe Ekiem community of Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, as women and youths have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, demanding a reversal of the planned privatization of a state-owned cocoa estate.

During a peaceful protest on Saturday, July 5, 2025, demonstrators—many carrying placards with slogans like “Our Cocoa Estate Is Not for Sale” and “Return Our Land”—warned that failure to reverse the decision would lead to a culturally symbolic naked protest at the cocoa plantation.

Community Rejects Privatization Plan: Speaking to journalists, community women’s leader Ntunkai Obi and women’s chief Helen Ogar called for urgent dialogue with the state government.

“We’ve given the Commissioner two weeks to meet with our leaders. If he refuses, we will march to the plantation and protest naked, as our tradition allows,” said Ogar.

She emphasized that the protest would serve as a last resort to protect the community’s land and livelihood.

Town council chairman Etta Atu-Ojua and youth leader Comrade Tandu Kingsley also condemned the planned privatization, warning of rising unemployment and crime.

“Cocoa is our oil. Taking it away means taking away our future,” said Atu-Ojua. “If the government no longer wants to manage the estate, it should return the land to us so we can farm it ourselves.”

Historical Grievances and Widespread Opposition: The unrest in Bendeghe Ekiem mirrors growing resistance in neighboring Etomi and Abia communities, where residents argue the government has violated historical agreements. According to them, the land for the cocoa estates was donated in the 1950s under the administration of Eastern Region Premier Michael Okpara, with promises of employment and royalties—benefits many say were never fulfilled.

The cocoa estates have long served as critical economic hubs in Etung LGA, one of Nigeria’s top cocoa-producing areas. Local residents accuse the government of exploiting the region’s resources without providing basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and schools.

Government Responds, But Skepticism Remains: In reaction to the protests, Commissioner for Agriculture Johnson Ebokpo and Commissioner for Information Dr. Erasmus Ekpang urged calm. They assured residents that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is committed to reviewing the policy in the public’s interest.

“Governor Otu is listening. No policy will be allowed to harm our people,” said Ebokpo.

Despite these assurances, protesters remain doubtful, citing years of neglect and unfulfilled promises.

A Ticking Clock and a Cultural Stand: With the 14-day ultimatum now in motion, tension continues to rise. The threat of a naked protest—considered a serious cultural act of resistance—highlights the gravity of the situation.

Residents have vowed to escalate their actions if the government fails to initiate meaningful dialogue. Many are calling on the Cross River State Government to suspend the privatization plans and prioritize the rights and welfare of cocoa-producing communities in Etung.