FARMERS in Issele-Mkpitime, an agrarian community in Aniocha North Local Government Area, have abandoned their farmland due to the daily presence of Fulani herdsmen who parade cows and destroy their crops.
Speaking to The Pointer, a Farmer and resident of the community, Gregory Mbaduha lamented that his family has been forced to abandon their farm due to the relentless threats and harassment from Fulani herdsmen. He recalled a recent attempt to tend to their farm, which ended in an encounter with the sect, who continued to intimidate and terrorize farmers in the area, making it impossible for them to work on their land.
Mbaduha urged the state government to implement the Anti-Grazing bill, consider the plight of farmers and provide security for the people, saying that the influx of Fulani herdsmen, Northern Motorcycle riders and other criminal elements is becoming alarming in the community.
He further commended the Vigilante Group operating in the community for their doggedness in fighting crime within the community, adding that they have demonstrated serious commitment to the business of securing lives and properties of the people.
Meanwhile, a female farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted her encounter with Fulani herdsmen near her husband’s farmland. She described how she narrowly escaped rape but was brutally beaten before suspected security officers intervened and rescued her from her attackers.
She appealed to the incoming council chairman to prioritize the safety of farmers in the hinterland, urging the government to establish a secure haven for the community and protect them from the constant threat of herdsmen attacks.
