Benue State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed herdsmen, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
Benue State farmers have expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on their agricultural lands in the state, describing the situation as dire and devastating.
The farmers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi, said that the attacks had turned the state’s fertile farmlands into battlegrounds, leaving thousands of farmers displaced, injured, and dead.
“Farming in the state has become a dangerous endeavour owing to the repeated attacks,” said Mr. Yande Kumbur, a farmer from Kwande Local Government Area (LGA).
A farmer from Guma LGA, Mr. Terna Iorver, said that before the incessant and unprovoked attacks, life was peaceful, and they were able to cultivate crops such as yams, maize, and guinea corn.
“We had food in abundance.
“The land was good to us. We would wake early and return from the farm at sunset, tired but satisfied,” Iorver said.
A farmer in Logo LGA, Mrs. Mnena Utoo, expressed sadness that the attacks started on a minimal scale and were getting out of hand.
“When we complained, they threatened us. Then one night in 2018, they came with guns.
“They burned houses, killed our men, and we ran into the bush. Since then, we have never had peace,” Utoo said.
The farmers said that the attacks had brought hunger and starvation, and many were now dependent on food aid.
A farmer from Kwande, Mr. John Tyom, said that due to the unprovoked attacks on their communities, their youth no longer go to farm, leading to a massive migration of youth to the city.
Tyom expressed concern that farming was becoming a job for the elderly, and if the situation continues, agriculture in Benue would cease with time.
“If the situation continues, agriculture in Benue would cease with time,” Tyom warned.
NAN
