Tension has gripped the Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State after suspected Fulani militants destroyed more than 60 farmlands covering about 150 hectares on Monday.
The attack, estimated to have caused losses worth over ₦100 million, has left at least 170 farmers devastated and raised fears of worsening hunger in the region.
Speaking with Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday, leader of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, described the destruction as “terrorism aimed at impoverishing the people.”
“This willful destruction of farmlands is the most dangerous form of terrorism and a direct attack on food security, despite the government’s declaration of emergency in the sector,” he said.
Mwantiri condemned the incident, urging urgent government action to protect farmers and provide relief for those affected. “The BYM calls on the government to safeguard farmers and support them in recovering from these huge losses,” he added.
Some of the affected farmers also pleaded for help, warning that without intervention, the destruction would deepen food insecurity in Plateau. “The situation in Plateau requires urgent attention. The government must take concrete steps to protect us,” said Moses Bitrus, whose maize farm was completely destroyed.
While the Plateau State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina assured on Tuesday that security agencies were working tirelessly to restore peace. He also directed the release of emergency contact numbers to enable the public to reach the police quickly in case of further attacks.
