News in brief:
-Â Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria, suffered devastating losses as herdsmen destroy 35,000 hectares of rice farms, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods.
– They report deliberate fire destruction by herders after grazing, resulting in financial losses, mounting debt, and psychological impacts.
Farmers in Enugu State are devastated after herdsmen destroyed a staggering 35,000 hectares of rice farms, a local news report said, raising concerns about food security and farmer livelihoods.
The media house, quoting a statement by the Enugu State Graduate Farmers (ESGF), which represented the affected farmers, claimed that the destruction occurred at the Ojoloko Farm Site in Umuiba, Nara, within Nkanu East Local Government Area. The farmers accuse the herdsmen of not only grazing their cattle on the land but also deliberately setting fire to remaining crops.
Farmers shared their struggles, expressing not only the financial losses incurred but also the mounting debt owed to banks who financed their agricultural endeavors. ESGF president, Patrick Mba, stated that this situation is not new, with herdsmen repeatedly targeting their farms at harvest time, causing losses estimated to be billions of naira.
Additionally, he said that despite reporting these incidents to security agencies and government officials, no effective action has been taken. Thus, he said, farmers have been feeling helpless and discouraged to continue cultivating land.
Furthermore, some farmers have emphasised the psychological impact of these attacks. They lamented the actions of the herdsmen while wondering how they can continue under such constant threat. They also highlighted the broken promises of compensation from community leaders among the herdsmen, further adding to the frustration and lack of trust.
Meantime, news reports have stated that families are now abandoning their homes due to the loss of their livelihood.
Subsequently, the ESGF is appealing to the government to take immediate action. The actions recommended include driving away the herders from their land and providing support to rebuild their farms and lives. They have also urged organisations to offer assistance and encourage farmers who are losing faith in their profession.
