An Enugu-based commercial farmer, Ekene Uzodinma, has appealed to the Nigerian government and security agencies to take decisive action against the escalating violence by armed Fulani herdsmen across farming communities, particularly in the Middle Belt and Southeast regions.
Uzodinma, who narrated his bitter and personal experiences of loss, destruction, and near-death encounters after losing hectares of rice farm in Enugu State to herders, stated that it was not an experience anyone would want to encounter.
“I have lost everything more than once. Part of my 30-hectare rice farm was burnt down after harvest. My four-hectare corn field was set ablaze. My rice fields have been grazed by herdsmen’s cattle multiple times.
Last year, I was physically attacked on my farm, and some of my workers sustained machete and stabbing injuries. We even arrested one of the attackers and handed him over to the police, but nothing was done. No investigation. No accountability,” he lamented.
He stated that his story is part of a growing national crisis, adding that urgent action must be taken to curb the incessant attacks farmers go through daily.
Uzodinma, who stated that it costs several million naira to set up the farm that was destroyed, added, “This is no longer about farmer-herder clashes. This is terrorism. And the silence from the authorities is deafening. If farmers continue to be hunted and slaughtered, Nigeria will face a food security disaster of unimaginable proportions.”
He demanded the immediate deployment of armed security forces to farming regions under threat, including Enugu and Benue States, as well as the establishment of a special investigative panel with prosecutorial powers to bring perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
The farmer also requested compensation and rehabilitation for affected farmers and communities, as well as the classification of attacks on farmers as acts of terrorism with corresponding penalties.
He said there was a need to enforce open grazing restrictions and stronger land protection policies for rural dwellers, while calling on the President, National Assembly, state governors, and relevant agencies to stop treating the issue with kid gloves and act decisively.
“We cannot continue to feed a nation while being butchered on our land. If the government won’t protect us, who will? Enough is enough”, he added.
