Protests against the Cross River State Government’s plan to privatise its cocoa estates gathered momentum on Friday, as residents of multiple communities in Etung Local Government Area rallied in defiance of the proposed move, which they fear will erode their livelihoods.

What began as a peaceful demonstration in Etomi on Tuesday has now rippled across the local government, with residents in Abia and Bendeghe communities staging coordinated protests.

Demonstrators, including women and youth groups, took to the streets with placards, chanting slogans and demanding the government reverse its decision.

“Our farms are our only source of income,” said Egbuta Amba, Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Abia unit. “There is no electricity, no water, no roads, and no communication. If the government takes this away, they will be pushing us into deeper poverty.”

Cocoa farming is the economic backbone of the region, providing employment and sustenance in an area that residents say has long suffered from infrastructural neglect and government inaction.

“We are saying no to privatisation because we have been abandoned,” said Beatrice Tawo, Women Leader of Abia community. “The government promised roads, water, and light none came. Now, they want to take away the only thing that feeds us and keeps our youth out of trouble.”

Youth Leader Lawrence Ntui voiced similar frustrations. “We’ve been marginalised for too long,” he said. “We’ve built our lives around cocoa farming, and we will not let them sell our future to private hands.”

While the state government has yet to issue an official statement in response to the protests, the growing unrest highlights broader tensions between rural communities and state-led economic reforms. Observers warn that further escalation could occur if authorities do not initiate dialogue with local stakeholders.

Cross River is one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states. However, communities in its farming belt say they have seen little benefit from the sector, citing years of underinvestment and neglect.

With more communities joining the protests, pressure is mounting on the government to halt or review the proposed privatisation. For now, residents say they will continue to resist until their concerns are addressed.