Farmlands ravaged by herdsmen in Kaduna, leaves farmers with great losses

Farmers in the Manchok community of Kaura Local Government Area in Kaduna State have reported significant financial losses due to alleged destruction of their farmlands by nomadic herdsmen.

According to the affected farmers, the destruction of their crops has resulted in estimated losses of several millions of naira.

The farmers who have urgently appealed for assistance, revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, October 18, 2024 that the devastating destruction of their farmlands by herdsmen has left them with the risk of hunger and food insecurity.

The reactions of the victims

One of the farmers, Mrs. Martina David, a mother of four said she has suffered a devastating loss after investing approximately N1.3 million in sweet potato cultivation, only to have her farm allegedly destroyed by herders within a mere two days.

Mrs. David, expressing her distress, recounted her experience stating that the funds utilized for cultivating the sweet potato crop were secured through a loan facility.

She said “the financial investment was made with the expectation of generating substantial returns, making the loss particularly devastating.”

Martina disclosed that she planted potatoes on a substantial plot of land, spanning nearly four hectares and consisting of 188 ridges and expected harvest of 752 bags, assuming a yield of three to four bags per ridge.

According to Martina’s projections, the investment was expected to generate a return of N12.78 million naira, assuming a market price of N17,000 to N20,000 per bag.

She said “my expectations were severely dashed when I inspected my farm, only to discover that a significant portion, exceeding half had been devastated by cattle.”

“In a state of distress, I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face as I wondered how to find a way out of the desperate predicament.”

“I gathered my strength, wiped away tears, and swiftly implemented protective barriers to protect the remaining left.”

“To my utmost dismay, upon returning the following day, I was astonished to discover that the cattle had completely devastated the entire potato crop, rendering my investment entirely futile.”

She made a plea for assistance, saying “I am facing considerable difficulty in repaying the loan I secured as my husband, who also engaged in farming, has fallen ill and was unable to cultivate any crop this year.”

Mr. Ibrahim Yashim, another affected farmer, stated that he had cultivated guinea corn on a four-hectare parcel of land only for the three-quarters of the farm to be invaded and ravaged by cattle.

Yashim, a primary school teacher, revealed to the NAN that he had invested a substantial amount of approximately N730,000 naira in his farm, allocating funds to various aspects such as cultivation, inputs, and labor to ensure its success.

He expressed that he had initially expected to reap a harvest of at least 40 bags of guinea corn, calculated at a rate of 10 bags per hectare.

The victim noted that, at current market rates of N110,000 to N120,000 per bag, his anticipated profit would have surpassed N4.8 million naira.

He said “as of now, I can tell you that only about a hectare is left out of the four hectares I planted my guinea corn “

“The remaining three hectares have been destroyed by herders.

“Upon returning home from work, I was approached by my aged mother, who requested that I immediately inspect our farm due to a concerned report from an informant who claimed to have witnessed cattle entering my farm.”

“Upon inspecting the farm, I was shocked to discover that approximately 50% of the crops had been severely damaged due to cattle encroachment.”

“The shock was so overwhelming that I felt my legs could no longer support me, forcing me to take a seat on the ground,” he explained.

He stated that he formally lodged a complaint with Mr. Salisu Ibrahim, the leader of the Fulani settlers in Manchok, who is commonly referred to as Ardo (leader in Fulani language).

“Despite my plea for assistance, Ardo expressed his inability to take action without conclusive evidence of the culprit’s identity.

“The unauthorized incursions have continued, with the cattle grazing on and damaging about three hectares of my farm,” he explained.

Reacting, the National Leader of the Youth Wing of the Moro’a Development Association, Mr. La’ah Philemon, reported to the NAN that approximately 39 farms in the area have allegedly been destroyed by herders.

Philemon expressed deep concern regarding the impending food scarcity in Moro’a land, which he termed a “looming hunger. He then advocated for a ban on open grazing during the rainy season.

He said “the measure will significantly contribute to ending the rampant destruction of crops and fostering peace between farmers and herders.”

The youth leader highlighted that the victims are in a difficult situation, as the end of the rainy season renders replanting the damaged crops impossible.

Furthermore, he noted “that the ongoing crop destruction by herders has escalated into a full-blown conflict between farmers and herders.”

According to him, during one of the violent confrontations between farmers and herders, one farmer was killed and three others were injured.

The youth leader urged governments and relevant organizations to provide immediate support to the victims, ensuring their families’ well-being and survival amidst the nation’s economic difficulties.

The community response

The District Head of Manchok, Mr. Ishaya Tabat acknowledged the incidents and revealed that the traditional council has taken proactive steps to mediate the situation, with the aim of identifying a lasting solution.

Tabat confirmed that multiple meetings have taken place with leaders from the Fulani community and herders in the area, resulting in a significant agreement.

He said “the herders have consented to provide compensation to the affected farmers.”

Also, Ardo when contacted confirmed that the ongoing dialogue between the Fulani community and local leaders has yielded positive results.

He reassured the affected farmers that compensation for damages would be disbursed promptly.

To prevent future incidents, security agencies have been  enlisted to request that these visiting herders return to their places of origin.

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