Cross River Gov't Threatens To Arrest Illegal Occupants of Cocoa Estates 

By Ndifereke BASSEY

The Cross River state government has threatened to arrest and prosecute any person(s) illegally cultivating or occupying any government cocoa estates.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Gilbert Agbor, Esq, government 
warned that such illegal encroachment into cocoa estates not only disrupts the operations and productivity of these vital agricultural assets but also contravenes established legal boundaries and land use policies. 

The statement read in part: 
"It has come to the attention of government of Cross River State that there have been encroachment on government-owned cocoa estates in violation of the law and regulations governing such lands.

"Encroachment on government cocoa estates not only disrupts the operations and productivity of these vital agricultural assets but also
contravenes established legal boundaries and land use policies. 

"Such actions are unlawful and have serious consequences. Any further unauthorised entry or occupation will not longer be tolerated.

"We therefore demand that any person(s) illegally cultivating or occupying any government cocoa estate, should vacate the premises immediately.

"Failure to comply with this notice will result in arrest and prosecution with the accompanying sanctions which may include fines and
imprisonment.

"Further inquiries or concerns regarding this Notice should be directed to the
Department of Asset Management and Recovery, Governor's Office Calabar. "