Farmers in Kanam local government area of Plateau have lamented persistent bandit attacks, saying the insecurity has crippled farming and animal rearing, their only sources of livelihood.
They said fear of being kidnapped has kept them from accessing their farms, adding that bandits have also rustled their livestock.
Gambo Musa, a resident of Garga, said villagers have been unable to cultivate crops this year.
“There is no farming this year because we cannot access our farms. We are always afraid of going to the farms.
“We are only expecting rain between August and September. So, it is not possible to cultivate crops and have them mature before the rainy season ends,” he told Daily Trust.
Abdulaziz Adam, who lives in Gyangyen, said many residents have resigned themselves to fate.
“There is a problem, honestly. As villagers, we are known for farming and rearing but these activities are threatened by the insecurity in our community.
“Bandits are not allowing us to go to the farms. If you go to the farm, you will be kidnapped and we don’t have the capacity to pay ransom. That is why we are avoiding our farms,” Adam stated.
Another resident, Usman Adamu, said cattle rustling has worsened the situation.
“Farming activities have been disrupted due to the banditry. Bandits have rustled our cattle. These are what we rely on but they have been disrupted,” he said.
Over 15 communities, including Garga, Dadin Kowa, Gada, Keram, Gyanbahu, Dungur, Wanka, Kukawa, and Shuwaka, have reportedly been affected.
Residents say they are worried about looming hunger unless urgent intervention is made.
In a recent interview in Jos, Gakji Shipi, special adviser to Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau governor, on homeland and security, said Wase and Kanam remain vulnerable due to their proximity to the Odare forest, which cuts across Bauchi, Taraba and Plateau.
Shipi said the government is working with neighbouring states to coordinate joint security operations to end the attacks.
