Taraba State is currently grappling with a surge in foodstuff prices attributed to the disruptive activities of bandits, hindering farmers from harvesting their crops. Displaced farmers cutting across Bali, Ussa, Takum, and Ardo Kola local government areas, have been compelled to abandon their fields without reaping matured produce.
The flashpoint in the said areas has plunged the indigent farmers in state of despair with a rising spate of food commodities. A 100kg bag of maize now commands N32,000, a stark increase from the N18,000 during the corresponding harvesting period last year. Similarly, the cost of a 100kg bag of paddy has risen to N25,000, up from N17,000 in the same period last year.
The devastating impact extends beyond economic consequences, with reports indicating that many farmers fell victim to the bandits, facing either fatal attacks or abductions in the affected areas.
Abuja City Journals gathered that Ms. Lami John, a farmer from Kwando area in Ardo Kola Local Government Area, experienced an invasion by armed bandits shortly after harvesting maize. As a result, many farmers and their families were abducted. Fortunately, Ms. John and her children, among others, sought refuge in a nearby forest.
“We slept in the forest till the following day and trekked to Jalingo and since then, l have not gone back to my farm and l don’t know if my crops are still there or eaten by cows,” she said.
Ussa and Takum local government areas where the worst hit with casualties in record numbers.
Narrating his ordeal Mr Bulus Andeyake also revealed that bandits invaded their communities and prevented farmers from harvesting their crops.
“In our area, going to the farm is very risky because bandits are everywhere, harassing innocent farmers,” he said.
