Kaduna Farmers lose millions, face hunger as herdsmen destroy crops

Farmers in the Manchok community of Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State, are lamenting significant crop losses due to alleged destruction by herdsmen, with some reporting damages worth millions of naira.

On Friday, affected farmers shared their distress with reporters, highlighting the threat of hunger looming over their families.

Mrs. Martina David, a mother of four, revealed that she invested nearly N1.3 million in cultivating sweet potatoes, only to see her investment wiped out within two days of alleged destruction by cattle.

Visibly shaken, she recounted, “Sadly, my hope was dashed when I visited my farm and discovered that more than half of it was destroyed by cattle. In tears I fell on my knees and cried, wondering how I would get out of the predicament.”

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David had planted potatoes on 188 ridges across nearly four hectares, expecting a harvest of at least 752 bags, which she estimated could yield N12.78 million at market prices.

“I pulled myself together, wiped my tears, and created some barriers to protect what was left. To my surprise, when I returned the following day, the entire potato plants had been wiped out by cattle. I didn’t get a thing from my investment,” she lamented.

She pleaded for assistance, stating, “I don’t know how I will repay the loan I collected because my husband, also a farmer, is ill and could not cultivate anything this year.”

Another affected farmer, Mr. Ibrahim Yashim, described his experience after herdsmen destroyed his guinea corn crops. Yashim, a primary school teacher, invested about N730,000 in cultivating four hectares, expecting to harvest at least 40 bags.

“Unfortunately, only about a hectare is left. The remaining three hectares were destroyed by herders,” he said, detailing his horror upon discovering the devastation after returning home.

“I just sat down on the ground because my legs couldn’t hold me up,” he added, noting that his complaints to the local Fulani leader yielded no results.

“Unfortunately for me, the Ardo said there was nothing he could do about it unless the culprit was caught. And the culprit has continued to invade the farm until the cattle grazed about three hectares,” Yashim explained.

Mr. La’ah Philemon, National Leader of the Youth Wing of the Moro’a Development Association, reported that approximately 39 farms have been destroyed in the area. He warned of a “looming hunger” in Moro’a land and called for a ban on open grazing during the rainy season to protect crops and promote peace between farmers and herders.

Philemon stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “With the rainy season almost over, replanting of the same crops is impossible.” He also noted that escalating tensions between farmers and herders have led to violent confrontations, including one that resulted in a farmer’s death.

The District Head of Manchok, Mr. Ishaya Tabat, confirmed the incidents, stating that the traditional council is working towards a sustainable resolution. “Several meetings have been held with the leaders of the Fulani community, and they have agreed to compensate the farmers,” he said.

The Ardo acknowledged the ongoing dialogue and assured farmers that compensation would be forthcoming. He also indicated that efforts are being made to prevent future incidents by addressing the influx of herders from outside the community, with assistance from security agencies.

He pledged continued support for peace-building initiatives in the area to help restore stability and security for local farmers.

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