Farming communities in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State have suffered a major blow to their agricultural livelihoods after a violent daylight attack by armed bandits left over six people dead, more than 20 others abducted, and over one thousand cattle stolen.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised serious concerns over the growing threat of insecurity to Nigeria’s food production and rural economy.
For more than two hours, the attackers operated freely looting shops, raiding farmlands, and carting away over 1,000 cattle, a critical source of income and nutrition in the region.
Victims say the attack has left the area in disarray. “We are farmers and herders. They’ve taken everything we depend on cattle, food, and even our people,” said Hamza, a local herder who narrowly escaped with his life.
“I can no longer take my livestock out. I’m too afraid.”
The violence comes amid a wave of unrelenting attacks on farming communities in Rijau and neighbouring Mariga LGA, where smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists have been displaced, their harvests disrupted, and food stores looted.
Several shop owners and grain traders who lost stored produce and cash have been hospitalized with trauma.
One of them, Barau, reportedly collapsed after losing a full season’s worth of stored food crops and money to the attackers.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) now sheltering in Rijau town are also in dire need. Many were forced to flee their farms at the peak of the cropping season.
“We didn’t even harvest before running for our lives,” said Dan-Isah, a displaced farmer from Yinana village. “Now, our children are hungry and crying.”
Local observers warn that continued attacks on farming communities will worsen food insecurity in Niger State and the country at large.
“Without urgent intervention, the ripple effects will hit the national food supply,” said Saidu Alhaji Mamman, another displaced resident. “We need security, we need seeds, and we need help.”
The loss of livestock, produce, and access to farmlands threatens not only the livelihoods of thousands of rural families but also agricultural stability in the region.
Experts say the attacks could severely reduce livestock production, grain availability, and market supply chains in the coming months.
Meanwhile, victims of the attack are currently receiving treatment at clinics in Rijau.
Among them are 11-year-old Ismail Usman and Muhammad Adamu, who sustained gunshot wounds. Others, including Halimatu Safiya and Alhaji Nuradeen, remain in critical condition.
As Niger State reels from the latest attack, farmers, herders, and agro-based traders continue to appeal for government protection, emergency relief, and long-term agricultural recovery plans to avoid a total collapse of rural food systems.
