Why Farmers seek Imo Govt intervention over Insecurity

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Governor Hope Uzodinma

Farmers in Imo State have sent out distress calls to the state government due to escalating insecurity issues, primarily attributed to attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits.

These attacks have resulted in significant losses for farmers, including destruction of crops and livestock, kidnappings, and even murder.

Farmers’ farmlands are being invaded by armed herdsmen, leading to destruction of crops and plants.

This has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers in communities such as Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area.

Farmers are being kidnapped for ransom, and some have been killed.

This has created fear among farmers, making it difficult for them to access their farms.

The farmers have expressed frustration over the lack of adequate security and response from government agencies, which may embolden the perpetrators to continue their activities

The attacks have led to the destruction of agricultural produce, leaving many farmers devastated and without means to support their families.

The insecurity is threatening food security in the state and country at large.

Experts warn that the combined effect of violence in farming communities and the absence of critical amenities in rural areas poses a significant threat to national food security and economic stability.

Some farmers have abandoned their farms due to fear of being killed or kidnapped, leading to displacement and potential migration

The Imo State House of Assembly has resolved to invite security agencies to provide adequate security to farmers and their farms from herdsmen invasion.

They aim to find lasting solutions to farmers’ security concerns.

Experts believe that resolving Nigeria’s agricultural crisis requires a coordinated national strategy that addresses both security and infrastructure simultaneously.

Recall that recently Herdsmen invaded Agwa community and killed five people, leaving many wounded.

So the community sent a Save Our Soul message to Imo government.

Read below:” The residents of Agwa communities in Oguta LGA of Imo state have raised an urgent alarm over the invasion of their farmlands by armed herdsmen.

The farmers are distraught over the destruction of their crops and plants by cattle owned by the herdsmen, which has severely impacted their livelihoods.

Community leaders have called on the state government to intervene and address the escalating situation.

They urged the government to engage the relevant authorities responsible for managing herders and to ensure that these herders are called to order.

The leaders emphasized that the invasion has led to the complete destruction of their agricultural produce, leaving many farmers devastated and without means to support their families.

One community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the extensive damage caused by the cattle.

“Our crops and plants have been completely destroyed by the armed Fulani herdsmen.

We are appealing to the state government to take immediate action to protect our farmlands and ensure our safety.”

The residents expressed frustration and fear, highlighting that the presence of armed herdsmen has also raised serious security concerns within the community.

They are, therefore, calling for swift intervention to prevent further destruction and to restore peace and order in the area.

The Agwa community leaders are hopeful that the state government will respond promptly to their plea and take the necessary measures to address the invasion by the herdsmen.

They believe that with effective intervention, their farmlands can be protected, and their means of livelihood can be restored.

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