By Atoyebi Nike
Farmers in Kanam LGA, Plateau State, have raised alarm over their inability to farm this year due to rising insecurity and repeated attacks by bandits. Many communities including Garga, Dadin Kowa, Keram, and Kukawa have been affected, with residents saying they now live in fear of being kidnapped while on their farms.
According to locals, farming and animal rearing are their primary sources of income, but bandit raids have disrupted both activities. “There is no farming this year because we cannot access our farms,” said Gambo Musa, a farmer in Garga. “We are afraid. You may be kidnapped just for going to the farm.”
Abdulaziz Adam from Gyangyen also expressed concern: “Bandits follow us to our homes. How can we go far into the bush to farm? We’re vulnerable and can’t afford ransoms.”
Another farmer, Usman Adamu, lamented the theft of livestock by bandits, saying: “Our cattle have been rustled, and we can’t cultivate crops. Our livelihood is gone.”
The farmers are appealing to the government for immediate security intervention, warning that hunger looms in their communities.
Rainbow Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (rtd), the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Security, confirmed the challenge, saying Wase and Kanam are vulnerable due to their proximity to the Odare forest, which links Bauchi, Taraba, and Plateau states. He noted that coordinated operations with neighboring states are underway to address the crisis.
