Fear and tension have gripped the Baji community in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State following alleged repeated attacks on indigenous farmers by suspected herders, with residents appealing to the state government and security agencies to urgently intervene before the situation escalates.
The community leader, Madakin Baji, Malam Usman Yusuf, made the appeal while lamenting what he described as persistent attacks, harassment and destruction of farmlands by herders over the past five years.
According to Yusuf, the latest incident occurred when three indigenous farmers, identified as Yahaya Ibrahim, Rabiu Jibrin, and Mohammed Bashar, were allegedly attacked, and severely injured.
He said the recurring attacks had created widespread fear among residents, particularly farmers who, according to him, have been unable to freely access their farmlands since July because of alleged threats and attacks by herders.
Yusuf, who recalled an earlier incident involving one of the kinsmen in that community, Nasiru Sani, who reportedly went to a farm after his mother had gone there to collect firewood, alleged that Sani was attacked after some herders sighted him on the farm.
The community leader said the situation had become so serious that residents were increasingly worried about the safety of their families, livelihoods, and property.
He expressed concern that continued attacks could trigger reprisal action, urging security agencies and the Niger State Government to act swiftly to prevent the situation from degenerating into a wider communal crisis.
“Nobody has a monopoly of violence. If nobody cares to protect us and our properties, including our farmlands, we will protect ourselves”, Yusuf warned.
He further alleged that herders had repeatedly allowed their cattle to graze on cultivated farmlands, destroying mature food crops belonging to about 92 affected households.
According to him, the situation persisted despite a peace meeting convened by the local government chairman, which brought together representatives of more than 90 affected households, security agencies, local vigilantes and representatives of the state government.
Yusuf said resolutions were reached at the meeting that the herders should vacate the affected farmlands within 24 hours and relocate their cattle to an area allocated by the community for grazing. He, however, alleged that the agreement was not respected, claiming that attacks and destruction of crops continued despite the intervention.
He also alleged that some herders had threatened severe physical assault against farmers, who challenged them over alleged night grazing and destruction of crops.
Yusuf appealed to the Niger State Government, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies to urgently strengthen security in Baji and prevent further attacks, stressing that the community wanted peace, but could no longer tolerate what it described as persistent threats to its safety and means of livelihood.
He said residents remained willing to pursue dialogue and peaceful resolution of the dispute, but warned that failure to protect farmers and enforce agreements could heighten tension and create conditions for further violence.
Active journalism costs huge sums of money. To ensure quality and rich agricultural journalism, the support of readers and friends of the publication is required. Donations can be made in Nigerian Naira (NGN). Kindly provide relevant information during transactions and be assured that funds received will be used judiciously and appropriately. For donation to FarmingFarmersFarms, kindly click the link below, call or send message to: +2348095451987.