Farmers at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) farm in Abakaliki have raised a serious concern over frequent attacks by herders who are destroying their farmlands.
The farmers, including elderly widows, reported that the herders, accompanied by over 200 cows, have repeatedly raided their farms, trampling and grazing on crops, including pumpkins, ugu, green, cassava, yam, and other vegetables. Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu, one of the affected farmers, described the destruction as “beyond recognition,” adding that the herders’ actions have led to significant losses for her and other farmers.
“I am a widow and over seventy years old, yet I farm every year as that is the only way I can earn a livelihood,” Nwachukwu said. “Despite this, the herders sent their cows to destroy our crops, and after we sought help, we were only consoled with no compensation.”
Another farmer, Ibi Eunice, also shared her ordeal, stating that her family faced starvation due to the loss of crops that were their main source of sustenance. Eunice urged the Ebonyi State government to intervene before the farmers are forced to take the law into their own hands.
The farmers have appealed for a ban on grazing cows at the EBSU agricultural farm and for immediate action from the state government to prevent further destruction of their livelihoods.