80 killed: Herdsmen killing farmers in Benue state, season film continua By Adeniyi Philip Ayoola

Photo Credit: Google

Over 80 Benue state farmers and villagers were attacked and killed in their prime by herdsmen over grazing rights, in the last two weeks.
In February 2016 alone, hundreds of people were said to have been killed and about 1,000 homes destroyed in the Agatu area of Benue in a wave of attacks blamed on the herdsmen.

Amongst those slaughtered like cows were pregnant women, children, young and the old. To many Nigerians, this is not a news, as the nefarious activities of these assailants have continued unabated, with somewhat approval from government at all levels.

To many, it has become like a carnival, or season film, depending on the angle you are. Unfortunately, no government media aid has made a public statement over this and no assurances of the farmers safety. The voices of civil society organizations, media outfits and human rights activists have suddenly gone cold, making it look like your life does not matter, so long you're "just" a village farmer.

Aside the fear of post-harvest losses by farmers and unfavorable weather condition attributed to climate change, the extra cost on security in a country where cost of production continues to rise, is not the best for a new business, seeking to survive, let alone break-even.

As a farmer, you're contended with the choice and fear of what, how, where, when and for whom to plant, your fears are "biscuits" like (meagre) compared to what you feel when you hear these evil nomads are coming your way. They have successfully attacked Ogun state, Kogi State, Oyo State, Enugu state, Plateau State to mention just a few, leaving a mark of sorrows, tears and blood, according to Fela Anikulapo. They have threatened to attack more villages and towns, as they continue to grow wings, with some moral supports from their "ogas at the top".

Recently, a former presidential aspirant and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) was kidnapped on his farm by the herdsmen, like an action movie, state's apparatus was set in motion to ensure his timely release. Of course, he was rescued, and not without apprehending the culprits. Why did he enjoy such a swift intervention? Your guess is as good as mine.

For a growing population like that of Nigeria, which according to United Nations is estimated to surpass United States 300 million population by 2050, meeting the needs of the about 200 million current population has been a herculean task for passionate farmers and agribusiness owners, as more than 45% of our locally produced foods gets spoilt before they hit the markets. Some of the reasons for this huge loss includes, lack of storage facilities, inaccessible rural roads, among others. Our inability to meet our local food demands, in the right shape and quality, has contributed to the over 70% of our foods, including toothpicks being imported from Asia, Europe and America, making our food import bill compete with Mount Kilimanjaro.

Food insecurity remains a big threat as the few who have remained in the rural communities are constantly slayed like the Biblical Abel and their innocent blood used to appease the earth. How long shall this continue in a country governed by law and order? Apart from the stress (like other professions) attributed to the farming profession, the fear of being killed has discouraged agribusiness investments and the youth, from patronizing our villages where the land resource is in abundance.

As a people with blood flowing in our veins, we all have the same needs, though our wants differ. A common need between the rich, poor, young and old, is food. How we want it, where we want it, from whom we want it, is what makes the difference.

With a necessity like food being threatened daily by uncontrolled elements in our society, who continues to act like "zombies", without an iota of respect for the sanctity of human lives, the government, civil society organizations, human rights activities and other stakeholders, including security forces must speak against these evil men and increase their intelligence, to nip the threats of the herdsmen before it becomes a global emergency.

From experience, the impact of one well planned single invasion by the herdsmen, literarily turns the community into a shadow of itself, leaving a teary and sorrowful taste on the faces and tongues of the children who are orphaned due to the untimely death of their parents and breadwinners. The future of these kids and widows remain bleak, as no social security is provided for them, though the responsibility of protecting their lives and properties was that of the government.