Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, has recounted how he was compelled to abandon his expansive 10,000-hectare farmland in Kaduna State due to the activities of bandits in the region.
Addressing journalists on Monday against the backdrop of soaring food prices in the country, Bafarawa painted a grim picture of the security situation in the North, revealing that bandits now dictate farming activities in his community.
“Bandits have taken control of our farmlands. They decide which farms to cultivate or not. Even accessing my own farmland has become impossible due to their activities,” lamented Bafarawa.
The former governor, who had been cultivating the land since 1979, emphasized the detrimental impact of insecurity on agricultural productivity. He disclosed that the maize he previously cultivated in commercial quantities now lies unused, rendering his flour mill inactive.
Attributing the current food crisis in the country to the displacement of farmers by bandits, Bafarawa underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the federal government, states, and local governments to address insecurity, particularly in the Northern region.
Despite his earlier warnings to the Federal Government about the looming food insecurity, Bafarawa expressed regret that his advice had been ignored. He stressed that state governments alone cannot combat the escalating insecurity without robust support from the Federal Government.
Bafarawa’s account sheds light on the profound impact of insecurity on agricultural activities and food production in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to address the root causes of the crisis. As the nation grapples with the debilitating effects of food inflation, stakeholders are increasingly calling for coordinated efforts to restore peace and stability in affected regions.