Posted by Samuel on Sun 31st Aug, 2025 - tori.ng
According to him, the occupants of the vehicles monitored his movements and even interrogated bystanders about him.
Oscar Ofuka, former Special Adviser on Cocoa Management and Control to ex-Cross River Governor Ben Ayade, has alleged new attempts on his life, linking them to the controversial cocoa reforms he led during the previous administration.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, Ofuka said he recently noticed two suspicious vehicles, an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number ABJ/283/EM and a black, unmarked car, loitering around his residence in Satellite Town.
According to him, the occupants of the vehicles monitored his movements and even interrogated bystanders about him.
“Few days ago, they tried to lure information from my little daughter, asking if she knew ‘Engineer Oscar’ and demanding my phone number,” he said.
“Not long after, they confronted my son and the gatekeeper, insisting they wanted to strike a deal with the ‘cocoa man’ in the compound. It was clear they were out for me.”
The former aide, who oversaw reforms to resolve decades-old disputes over royalties on more than 4,500 hectares of cocoa plantations, alleged that vested interests angered by his policies were behind the threats.
“Those who benefited from my reforms are the very people now trying to eliminate me,” he alleged, stressing that he had records, court orders, and settlement agreements to prove he acted in the interest of peace and development.
He further claimed that one of the suspects arrested by security operatives confessed to being sent to monitor him.
“The man begged for his life when the police caught him,” Ofuka added, revealing that authorities have since advised him to leave the state temporarily for safety.
However, the State Security Adviser, Major General Obono Ubi (retd.), dismissed the allegations and urged the public to avoid panic.
He described Ofuka’s claims as unnecessary alarm, insisting that government security agencies remain committed to sustaining peace in the state.
“There is no assassination plot. Security agencies are on top of their responsibilities to maintain peace and protect lives,” Ubi stated.