By Samson Obande,  Lafia

Residents of Agbashi Community in Nasarawa State have raised the alarm over persistent destruction of farmlands and alleged intimidation by herders, calling on the state government to urgently intervene to prevent a breakdown of peace.

In a Facebook post on Sunday by Eyibo Henry Ocholoda, a concerned youth of Agbashi, the community said it is “living in fear” following repeated incidents of cattle grazing on cultivated crops.

“The land suffers threat and dominance as Fulani herders deliberately graze on our crops without fear nor guilt, despite bushes and ranches available for them to tread and rear their cows, yet they chose our farm stead instead,” the statement read.

According to Ocholoda, farmers who attempted to protect their crops by building hedges had them destroyed to allow cattle to graze. He alleged that anyone who questioned the herders risked being attacked.

“Many that tried to secure their farms by building hedges got it scattered by these men just to feed their flock. And if you attend to question them, they will machete or beat you mercilessly,” he said.

He added that local security stations have been overwhelmed with reports from the community, leaving officers “weary by the day.”

The community described the situation as an “omen that these people are obviously looking for trouble” and appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to act swiftly.

“For history not to repeat itself, I am begging the Nasarawa State Government to, as a matter of urgency, come to our aid. We all know how peace-loving and workaholic our governor is. That is why I’m seeking his urgent intervention on this life-threatening menace to be averted,” Ocholoda stated.

He noted that “sons and daughters of the land are bothered” and urged authorities to protect farmers, secure farmlands, and ensure peaceful coexistence.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Nasarawa State Government or security agencies.

Residents say they remain hopeful that the intervention of Governor Abdullahi Sule will restore calm and guarantee the safety of lives and livelihoods in Agbashi.