Farmers in the Mwar community of Chakfem Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, have raised alarm after suspected Fulani bandits allegedly occupied their farmlands, destroyed crops, and threatened harvesting of produce.
The situation, which residents say has worsened in recent days, has left the community facing growing hunger and fear.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, youth leader Ayuba Yunana explained that the attackers now control the community’s farmlands, warning locals not to attempt harvesting their own produce despite crops being fully matured.
According to him, the villagers are too afraid to approach their farms due to repeated violent incursions.
“We are in a very dire situation as a result of the incursion of Fulani bandits in our village,” Yunana said, noting that the community had suffered several attacks in the past.
This latest invasion, he added, involves heavily armed bandits who graze their cattle on locals’ farms, destroy ripe crops, and openly challenge residents to confront them if they dare.
Yunana stressed that the impact has been devastating for the community, which relies almost entirely on agriculture for survival.
“The consequences have been catastrophic for our people who are mainly farmers. We are a farming community with almost 90 percent of the people depending on their farm produce for their livelihood,” he said.
He highlighted that Mwar is known for fertile land, producing maize, guinea corn, Irish potatoes, cocoyams, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and garden eggs.
Some residents also rear livestock, including cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
However, Yunana said the attackers not only destroy farmlands but also steal stored food items and animals.
He believes the pattern of attacks points to a deliberate attempt to impoverish the people and trigger famine.
“Our people are hungry and desperate because the bandits have taken over our lands. They are even bragging that anyone who dares to challenge them will face their wrath, which includes killings and more attacks,” he said.
Calling for urgent intervention, Yunana appealed to the government and security agencies to protect the community, emphasizing that women and children are already suffering the worst effects of the crisis.
