Reign of Terror: Bandits Claim 165 Lives in March, Farms Abandoned as Ransoms Soar to N3bn

No less than 165 farmers have fallen victim to attacks by bandits, resulting in deserted farms across the nation, according to investigations by the Punch.

Farmers from Benue, Sokoto, Niger, Plateau, and other states have shared harrowing tales of loss, revealing not only crop devastation but also the tragic loss of colleagues at the hands of hoodlums. Many farmers have been forced to abandon their farms due to escalating bandit attacks.

Benue State bears the brunt of this onslaught, with 130 farmers killed in four local government areas this month alone. In Sokoto State, 28 farmers have lost their lives since the year began, while Niger State has seen six fatalities. Additionally, one farmer was murdered in Plateau State.

In Sokoto, farmers have paid over N3bn in ransoms to bandits who kidnapped them from their farms. The situation has reached a critical point, with over 295 victims currently held hostage in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Borno states.

Aondongu Saaku, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Farmers in Benue State, painted a grim picture, revealing that six farmers were kidnapped in the last two weeks alone. He estimated losses at over N1.1bn due to the destruction of crops by bandits.

Farmers in Borno State are facing a 90% decline in sorghum production, further exacerbating the food crisis. Meanwhile, in Delta State, farmers recount tales of terror, with eight individuals kidnapped and ransoms ranging from N1m to N5m each.

Jamilu Sanusi, Chairman of AFAN in Sokoto State, lamented losses exceeding N3bn in ransom payments to bandits. He highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers, with over 80% of internally displaced persons in Sokoto being farmers displaced by bandit activities.

In Plateau State, farmers live under constant threat of abduction, while their counterparts in Niger State avoid farms in areas plagued by bandit attacks. This pattern extends to Nasarawa State, where farmers have ceased farm activities due to insecurity.

The impact of these attacks is far-reaching, with the national food supply chain at risk of collapse. As farmers plead for urgent intervention, the nation grapples with the grim reality of a looming famine.

In response, farmers’ associations across the nation call on the government to take decisive action to curb banditry and secure farming communities

The livelihoods of millions hang in the balance as farmers face an uncertain future amidst escalating violence.