By Milcah Tanimu
Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, has expressed deep concern over the rampant banditry in northern Nigeria, revealing that he has been forced to abandon his expansive 10,000-hectare farmland in Kaduna State due to security threats posed by bandits.
Bafarawa highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers who now require permission from bandits to access their lands, painting a grim picture of the challenges they encounter.
Speaking about his personal experience, Bafarawa disclosed, “I used to cultivate a farmland spanning over 10,000 hectares in Birni Gwari, Kaduna State, since 1979. However, due to the presence of bandits, I am unable to reach there now.”
He emphasized the significant impact of insecurity on agricultural productivity, stating, “The maize I cultivated in the past was in commercial quantity, and I utilized a portion for my flour mill, which is now inactive. The surge in food prices is directly linked to the displacement of many farmers caused by insecurity.”
Attributing the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria to bandit activities, Bafarawa stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts among the federal, state, and local governments to address insecurity, particularly in the northern regions.
Expressing regret over the failure of his prior warnings to the Federal Government regarding the looming food insecurity, Bafarawa emphasized the necessity of federal support in addressing the crisis. He stressed, “State governments alone cannot effectively address this challenge without the backing of the Federal Government.”
Bafarawa’s remarks underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of banditry on agricultural activities and restore stability to affected regions.
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