Photos: Anxiety As Kogi Farmers Lament Killings, Kidnapping By Suspected Herders, By Dayo Emmanuel

Farmers in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State under the aegis of Egbe Farmers Association, have called on Nigerian authorities to rescue them from Fulani herders ravaging their farmlands, killing and kidnapping their members.

The farmers recently staged a peaceful demonstration at the palace of the traditional ruler, the Elegbe of Egbe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayodele Irukera, Ajamoto 1, displaying several messages inscribed on placards.

Some of the messages in English and Yoruba languages read: ‘Save us from herders’, ‘Farmers are living in fear’, ‘Stop killing us’, ‘God, save us from herders’, ‘Save us from herders, kidnapers,’ etc.

A release by the Farmers’ Association stated that the violence orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen heightened in Egbe Mekun and its environs between 15th and 29th of August 2022.

“Scores of farmlands located along Egbe-Eruku road from Aru, Ogele, Agbare up to Ofo continue to suffer destruction by herders,” the statement reads.

The statement further stated, “Egbe Farmers Association also reported incidences along Oke-Ere road, Agbara-Ibo, Ogan and Igbo Oba farmlands. Farmers along Koro road are not spared as those farming the fertile corridors of Alani and beyond are relocating towards less fertile but peaceful areas of Oke Igbo and Igba Ata farmlands nearer home.”

The farmers also stated that, “On Sunday 28th August, it was reported by the farmers that four Gwari farmers were attacked leading to the death of one of them while others escaped with machetes wounds at Ogele farmlands. The two survivors: Salifu and Isiaku are currently receiving treatment at the Egbe ECWA Hospital.”

Meanwhile, due to the impromptu visit to the traditional ruler, the protesting farmers did not meet the monarch who was on an official assignment elsewhere.

However, another traditional ruler, the Oba of Ijalu-Egbe, Oba Fasoro Adeyemi was on hand to speak with the farmers.

“The Elegbe is unavoidably absent and it is because there was no prior notice of this visit,” he explained.

Adeyemi said, “He is away on off

icial engagement and he will be briefed when he returns. It is good as you have organised yourselves to make your grievances known.”

“We didn’t have meeting today because the Kabiyesi went on an assignment. He greets every of us. He said steps are being taken.

“He said he has 200 tons of farm produce that he supplies but recently he has not been chanced to farm. He appeals to the farmers to give him notice next time they want to visit, he would arrange the security operatives to be in attendance as well.

“The Kabiyesi said, he did not neglect the farmers in their plight and they should come for a meeting as those evil doers can easily infiltrate the farmers to do evil if the farmers are not organised,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Timothy Joshua at the palace lamented the loss farmers have suffered in the hands of Fulani herders.

“There is no one that can go to the farms now and there are no white collar jobs. We have learned people among us, this is the work we can do. I want them to help us, let there be peace and that is why we have come here.

“Farmers have been caught unawares and they have been killed, please help us take steps so that there can be peace,” he said.

Another farmer, Mr. Bode Joseph at the peaceful demonstration said, “We thank God that Elegbe has heard our grievances. They have been killing people on Oke-Ere road and on Koro road, please help us find lasting solution.”

Stating further, Joseph said, “On market days, if they don’t kill people, they would kidnap and machete people, so please help us solve this problem so there can be peace.”

Farmers in Kogi West have in recent times complained about incessant attacks on the farms which have led to loss of lives and farm produce. They want lasting peace in the area known for farming activities and commerce.

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