Farmers lament as bandits destroy eight hectares of farmland in Plateau community

Farmers and residents of the Rewienku village in Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State have been thrown into lamentation following the destruction of over eight hectares of cultivated farmlands by suspected Fulani bandits.

The National Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, IDA, Danjuma Dickson Auta who confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos on Friday, said the destruction of the farmlands occurred on Wednesday night when the heavily armed bandits, invaded the agrarian community and while shooting sporadically, went from farm to farm and destroyed them.

Auta, who decried the destruction of the farmlands, said the affected farmers are currently counting their losses as the destruction of their cultivated farms was a major setback for the victims as farming remains their primary source of income. agrarian community.

Auta called for urgent intervention by security agencies and relevant authorities to be proactive and prevent further destruction of farmlands in the area.

He further urged the Plateau State government to strengthen security presence in rural farming communities to protect lives and property.

The State Police Command, which also confirmed the attacks, said it has launched an investigation into the destruction of the farmlands as well as the killing of cows in the council while efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

Spokesperson for the Command, SP Alfred Alabo, in a statement on Friday, said the Command has intensified enforcement of restrictions on motorcycle operations in Barkin Ladi local government area following recent incidents involving the destruction of farms and the killing of cows in parts of the council area.

SP Alabo said the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, strongly condemned the destruction of the farmlands and killing of cows in several local communities including Lokojoro, Nding, and Kasuwan Dankali in Barkin Ladi LGA, describing the incidents as threats to public peace and security.

The statement urged members of the public to remain peaceful, law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and prevent crime in their communities.