The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sochifoods Nigeria Limited, Dominic Obiyor, has called on the government and security agencies to provide urgent intervention and adequate security following repeated attacks on the company’s workers and farmland.
Obiyor disclosed to The Guardian yesterday at the company’s headquarters in Umuokirika, Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, that hoodlums had attacked about 10 farm workers in Imo and Rivers states, inflicting machete injuries and threatening to destroy the company’s 100-hectare cassava farm.
Obiyor, accompanied by his wife and co-founder, Sochi, lamented the insecurity plaguing the company, which was established as a “world-class legacy investment” to foster local development. He highlighted the company’s contributions to addressing food security, providing nutritional value, employing over 60 per cent of its workforce from the youth and women population, and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.
The CEO alleged that land grabbers and criminals had disrupted the company’s operations, assaulting workers and threatening to destroy equipment. He revealed that despite legitimately purchasing the 100 hectares for cassava cultivation, land ownership disputes have persisted, particularly with individuals from Elelem in Rivers State and the Etche community.
Last month, the company launched its export-ready products, including Yello Sochivita garri flour, Sochivita white garri, and odourless Sochifufu flour. However, Obiyor expressed concern that ongoing disputes and security challenges were jeopardising the company’s operations.
“We want the government to help us secure our farmlands in Ngor Okpala, Uvuru, and Elelem and provide 24-hour power supply and access roads,” he said. “Hoodlums are attacking my workers, stealing from them, and threatening to burn down equipment. We need security apparatus to counter these criminals and protect our employees.”
Obiyor also noted the impact of missed planting seasons and unresolved land disputes on the company’s ability to achieve its goals. He stressed the urgency of government intervention to ensure the safety of the farmland, workers, and the sustainability of the business.
