In the serene town of Mangu, Plateau State, farmers are grappling with tales of profound loss as marauding herdsmen wreak havoc on their livelihoods.
The once peaceful community is now a home of attacks by suspected herders with dire consequences for the agricultural sector.
These attacks have escalated, leading to displacement and economic ruin for the residents of Mangu.
Farmers, who once relied on the fertile land for their sustenance, now find themselves recounting stories of loss and despair.
The herders, driven by the need for grazing space, have not only destroyed crops but also disrupted the delicate balance that existed in the community for generations.
We are left with nothing but ruins
Monica, a distressed farmer in Mangu, expressed her sorrow over the Tuesday night herdsmen attack, saying, “I woke up to the sounds of chaos and saw my once thriving crops trampled by cattle. All the hard work and investments have turned into a devastating loss.”
Asebe, another affected farmer, shared her anguish, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see our efforts destroyed in one night. These attacks not only rob us of our livelihood but also shatter the dreams we had for a bountiful harvest.”
In the aftermath of the herdsmen attack, Monica lamented, “We are left with nothing but the ruins of our farms. Our hopes and aspirations for a prosperous season have been dashed by this senseless destruction.”
Asebe echoed Monica’s sentiments, expressing, “The loss of farm inputs is not just a financial setback; it’s a blow to our spirit. We invested time, energy, and resources, only to witness everything vanish in the darkness of that night.”
Reflecting on the broader impact, Monica remarked, “It’s not just about the crops; it’s about our ability to sustain our families. The attack has disrupted the very foundation of our lives, leaving us grappling with uncertainty.”
Adi, also a farmer, emphasised the emotional toll, saying, “Every seed planted was a promise for a better future. Now, all we are left with is a landscape of destruction, and the emotional weight is overwhelming.”
As others in Mangu joined the lamentations, a collective voice emerged. One farmer poignantly stated, “Our losses go beyond the physical damage; it’s about the resilience we must summon to rebuild our lives from scratch.”
Monica, drawing attention to the urgent need for support, said, “We are not just facing a crisis in our fields but also in our homes. The government and community leaders must act swiftly to provide relief to those who have lost everything.”
Asebe called for unity among the affected farmers, stating, “In the face of such adversity, we must stand together. Our collective voice is stronger, and it’s time for authorities to hear our cries for assistance and protection.”
Reflecting on the profound impact on the community, one farmer shared, “These attacks not only hurt individuals; they hurt the entire community. The ripple effects will be felt for a long time, affecting our social fabric and economic stability.”
Monica, encapsulating the resilience of Mangu’s farmers, concluded, “Despite the pain, we will not be defeated. We will rise from the ashes of our fields and rebuild, but we need support and solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Asebe echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our spirit may be bruised, but it’s not broken. Let this be a rallying cry for change and a commitment to ensuring the safety and prosperity of farmers in Mangu.”
I don’t know where to start again
Another farmer, Paul Jatau, a respected figure in Mangu’s agricultural tapestry, had carefully cultivated and stored over a hundred bags of maize, anticipating a prosperous harvest.
The fateful Tuesday night attack on the Kwahaslalek community of Mangu marked the intrusion of chaos into Jatau’s life, as marauding herdsmen, driven by an ominous agenda, swept through the area like a dark tide.
As the moon cast an eerie glow over Mangu, Jatau awoke to the nightmarish symphony of his maize store being pillaged and demolished, his life’s work disintegrating.
The attackers, ruthless in their plunder, not only stole Jatau’s maize but also callously dismantled storage structures, leaving the once-thriving store reduced to rubble.
His maize haven, nestled amidst the tranquil plateau, became a somber emblem of the vulnerability of rural farmers caught in the crossfire of conflicts.
The emotional toll on the victim was profound as he confronted the aftermath. His dreams for a bountiful harvest are now a haunting mirage amid the remnants of destruction.
Over a hundred bags of maize, representing months of painstaking effort, lay scattered and ruined, a heartbreaking sight for Jatau, who had invested his all.
“I lost over a hundred bags of maize during the recent attack. As we speak, I am confused because I don’t know where to start.
“The government and other spirited individuals should come to my aid because that is my only source of livelihood,” he lamented.
