Indigenes of villages in Kanam local government area of Plateau have decried the incessant attacks by bandits, saying it has hindered their ability to access and cultivate their farm lands.
The farmers said there was no way any of them could gain access to their farmlands this year to cultivate crops following the persistent attacks by terrorists who are now making life unbearable for them.
They lamented the fear of being kidnapped or killed while going to the farmers, saying that farming and rearing of animals were their only sources of livelihood, but that the bandits have disrupted their legitimate means of livelihood.
A resident of Gyangyen village said, “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 farm. They follow us to the house to kidnap us for ransom. What about if you go too far? Those who go to the farm are more vulnerable,”
Another resident said they neither go to the farms nor rear animals anymore because their animals are rustled by the bandits.
The farmers called on the government to come to their aid to enable them gain access to their farmlands and also embark on other meaningful activities that will enhance their standards of living.
Some of the villages affected according to the farmers include “Garga, Dadin Kowa, Gada, Keram, Gyanbahu, Dungur, Wanka, Kukawa, Shuwaka.
