Business

Fears over food scarcity as Niger farmers flee

Published

4 years ago

April 23, 2021

AS bandits continue to attack and get away with their atrocities without serious challenge from security operatives, many farmers in Niger State have fled their farms and have vowed never to return until security is beefed up around them.

To underscore their seriousness, many of them have already relocated from the farming communities to Minna, the state capital, to escape the brutality of criminals variously described as bandits, kidnappers, hoodlums, cattle rustlers and armed robbers.

Things got to the worst in recent times when the criminals not only attacked and dispossessed the farmers of their possessions, but began to set their houses ablaze as a conquered people, leaving them with nothing to manage their lives with.

The bandits have successfully taken their atrocities to no fewer than 18 of the 25 local government areas of the state and are unwilling to halt their infamy despite threats from security agencies.

They appear to be more daring after being challenged by the security organisations, thereby sending fears into residents of the remaining local government areas.

Farmers whose areas have not yet been visited by the hoodlums now live in fear of possible attack by the daring bandits.

As a result of the unrelenting onslaughts by bandits on farmers, many have since abandoned farming and harvesting of their mature crops, a development that is already forcing an increase in the prices of foodstuff. Many of the farmers interviewed by Arewa Voice said they would not risk their lives by going back to the farms except adequate security is assured.

A yam farmer, Adamu Useni Allawa, who also cultivates maize and millet, lamented that although he was eager to return to his farm, he would only do so when there is improved security in the farms.

He said, “I am eager to go back to my farm but my fear is this insecurity. It troubles my mind to go back because of insecurity. Any time it pricks my heart to go back to the farm, I often have another premonition that going back there might be a journey of no return. I am not in any way preparing now because I don’t have the confidence. I don’t do any other work than farming but I cannot risk my life for farming as it is.

“I have a bitter experience, which is still fresh in my memory. It is about my uncle and his friends who the bandits met in their farms and shot them to death instantly without any sympathy. Some of these bandits after attacking and killing our people even run away with their seedlings and we are left with virtually nothing to start fresh planting. We have relocated to Pandogari and have become refugees in a strange environment, doing nothing.”

Another farmer, Umaru Adamu Allawa, said his hope rested on government to provide more security to enable him and others go back to their various farms.

Allawa said, “If the banditry situation continues like this, there is no hope for us to go back to the farm. Our yearly turnover is massive and even if we cannot feed the state or the entire nation, we can feed our zone that comprises eight wards in Shiroro Local government effectively.”

Bala Usman, a public servant who also is also a farmer, said, “With the present insecurity in my area-comprising Lakpma, Munyan and Rafi local government areas, the farmers are no longer able to go to their farms. The implication is that it will surely affect the economy of the areas concerned, the state and the country in general. That is why we call on government at all levels to intervene immediately in order to enable farmers go back to their farms.

“Even if we are supplied the necessary farming inputs like fertilisers, seedlings, among others, it will be difficult to transport them to the affected areas because of these bandits. Also, we will find it difficult to start all over again because apart from killing our people, the bandits also steal and burn down our seedlings and we are now left with virtually nothing to take off again.”

Shuaibu Yusuf, who is from Manta, one of the ravaged areas by bandits, said from the look of things, it will be very difficult for farmers in the troubled communities to farm this year.

The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Idris Usman Gbogan, however, assured the farmers that the Niger State government was aware of the security challenges and has taken steps to further protect lives and property of its people, especially those areas constantly raided by the bandits.

Gbogan told Arewa Voice in an interview that the state government has procured farming inputs in preparation for the coming planting season.

He said, “The step taken by the state government is to cushion the effect of transportation cost for the agro input companies as a way of reducing the cost of agricultural inputs.

By the first week of next month, the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, will launch the 2021 farming season and, thereafter, all these agricultural inputs will be ferried to all parts of the state under tight security.

“As at now, we have one extension worker to about 5000 farm families which is not acceptable because the ideal situation is to have one extension worker to between 800 and 1,000 farm families so in each of our stores presently across all the 25 local government areas, we are going to position extension workers so that as the farmers come to buy their inputs, we have the extension workers who will educate them and give them necessary extension knowledge on the inputs they are buying from the stores.

Gbogan said despite the insecurity and other challenges, there is still hope for bumper harvest in the state and this is why government is ensuring that they get the necessary inputs they need.

The state Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Niger State Chapter, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, told Arewa Voice that banditry was a bad omen for the state and its people and should be tackled with immediate effect.

He said, “Last year, it was not easy for farmers because many of them could not conclude their farming processes. Some of them who fled their ancestral homes because of the bandits cannot even go back to their homes to get their seedlings and other property in readiness for this planting season.

“Just about two days ago, in Kuchi Town in Sarkin Pawa Local Government Area of the state, the entire community was sacked and the people had to run for their lives.

“Other places having similar problems are Shiroro, Mariga, Munyan and parts of Paikoro, Rijau, Mashegu local government areas, just to mention a few. They are all overwhelmed with this type of problem.

“We are afraid that this year’s farming is being seriously threatened and it is not going to be easy for our farmers in the state because of the security issues. If the lives and properties of people are not secured, nobody will be able to do anything.”

-Vanguard

Related Topics:farmers food scarcity Niger securiy

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Tron Founder joins Trump-backed crypto project, invests $30m

Published

14 minutes ago

November 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Justin Sun

Tron Founder joins Trump-backed crypto project, invests $30m

Justin Sun, the founder of the Tron Blockchain has joined the World Liberty Financial project as an advisor after investing $30 million into the project.

The World Liberty Financial project is backed by the Donald Trump family and aims to become a leading crypto project in the global crypto space.

Justin Sun joined the project as an advisor after purchasing $30 million worth of WLFI tokens making him the largest shareholder in the project.

The development was announced via the official X page of the World Liberty Financial project welcoming the Crypto founder to the project.

“Exciting Announcement!

We’re honored to welcome @justinsuntron as an advisor to World Liberty Financial (WLFI)! Justin is the founder of @TRONDAO an advisor to @HTX_Global, and a supporter of @BitTorrent

. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he recently won Sotheby’s auction for the iconic banana artwork. 

#TRON is among the world’s top 10 cryptocurrencies and one of the largest public blockchains. Justin’s insights and experience will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and grow. Welcome to the team, Justin!” WLFI tweeted

Tron Founder joins Trump-backed crypto project, invests $30m

Auto

Toyota By CFAO showcases latest Land Cruiser Prado, others at P’Harcourt Open Day

Published

1 hour ago

November 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Toyota By CFAO showcases latest Land Cruiser Prado, others at P’Harcourt Open Day

Toyota By CFAO, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, has commenced a three-day special display of the latest new Toyota models from the company at an Open Day organised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for residents of the city and its surrounding areas.

The Toyota By CFAO Open Day holds from Tuesday, November 26 to Thursday, November 28, 2024, according to a statement by the company.

The event running from 9am to 5pm each day is taking place at the auto company’s showroom located at 184B, Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt.

It discloses that the exciting event will feature the highly anticipated 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, one of Toyota’s flagship models, alongside a range of other exceptional vehicles tailored for the Nigerian market.

This, it notes, is an exclusive opportunity for attendees to explore the latest in automotive excellence, discover new vehicle options, and benefit from Toyota By CFAO’s End of Year Bonanza.

General Manager of CFAO Mobility Port Harcourt, Julius Fasetire, encourages all residents to “come witness history in motion as we proudly unveil the All-New 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

“Be among the first to explore this remarkable masterpiece and discover our full range of Toyota vehicles. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience automotive excellence and enjoy a free diagnostic check for your Toyota vehicle!”

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has already generated excitement across the country, following its recent unveilings in Lagos and Abuja.

The product is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after sports utility vehicles in Nigeria, appealing to both corporate and individual buyers.

With over 11.3 million units sold globally in more than 170 countries, the Land Cruiser Prado is renowned for its rugged off-road capabilities and comfort for everyday driving.

The firm says this year’s model comes in two distinctive editions – the Limited Edition (First Edition) and the Adventure Edition – both equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged gasoline engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring superior performance both on and off the road.

Toyota By CFAO also says it ensures that genuine parts and a comprehensive 3-year/100,000 kilometre warranty are available for all customers.

In addition to the Land Cruiser Prado, the event will showcase a variety of other popular Toyota models including the Belta, Rumion, RAV4, Camry, and Hiace.

The Open Day, it stresses, promises to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in exploring the world of Toyota vehicles, from luxury to practicality, and experiencing firsthand the future of automotive technology.

The company says more details about the rich offering of Toyota in the Nigeria market can be obtained from https://www.toyotabycfao.ng/.

Business

Nigeria’s foreign reserves in marginal increase, now $40.88bn

Published

4 hours ago

November 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s foreign reserves in marginal increase, now $40.88bn

Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $40.88 billion as of November 21, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has said.

Cardoso disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference after the Monetary Policy Committee’s 298th meeting in Abuja.

He said the external reserves grew from $40.06 billion at the end of October to $40.88 billion in November.

The amount represents an increase of $82 million or 2.05 per cent in 21 days.

“The external reserves rose marginally to 40.88 billion as of 21 November 2024, from 40.06 billion at the end of October 2024, available to finance 17 months of imports,” he said.

However, from the apex bank’s website, the increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves showed $40.27 billion on November 22.

Cardoso also said, “The process of getting us where we are in terms of reserves has been a long one”.

“It is a clear indication that the policies we have put in place are certainly yielding fruits,” he added.

“However, and it’s very important to make a distinction here and to reiterate the fact that reserves are there for a multiplicity of different purposes, not least of which is to create buffers in the event of unanticipated shocks.

“So they are not there to simply whittle away. They are there to be used to more or less defend yourself where that becomes necessary

“And when we talk about shocks that are not anticipated, I think we can see how the global economies are.”

Cardoso also said the bank would continue to intensify efforts to stabilise the currency and prices.

The CBN governor said, “The currency has been stable compared to what it was in June”.

But he said for the value of the country’s currency to be stable, there must be increased exports and diversification of the economy.

Cardoso said diaspora remittance had increased due to policies put in place.

He commended those in the diaspora for helping the country accomplish over $600 million in remittances.