A Yoruba farmer in Ijebu Igbo alleges that Fulani herdsmen destroyed his 20-acre cassava farm despite perimeter fencing

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Yoruba farmer and owner of Ottab Synergy Farms in Ijebu Igbo, identified as @BashorunGa_ on X, has alleged that Fulani herdsmen encroached on his 20-acre cassava plantation, destroyed the crops, and allowed their cattle to graze freely despite the farm being secured with a perimeter chain-link fence.

Also read: ‘They’re kidnappers!’ Youths attack Fulani herdsmen, raze police station in Kwara

Expressing his frustration on social media, he described the incident as a monumental loss and a reflection of the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

20 acres of cassava destroyed…
Got to the farm yesterday to discover the havoc created by the roaming fulani herdsmen on our 20 acres of cassava plantation.
Despite the massive investment in chain link wire fencing of the perimeter, these bastards still found their way into the farm overnight to cause these monumental damage.
Now I see the reason why the farmers- herdsmen clash will continue in this country….

In a video he shared, he narrated the devastation, pointing to the collapsed fence and the barren field where cassava once flourished.

He lamented how the crops were wiped out overnight, rendering months of investment and labour fruitless.

The farmer stated that despite significant investment in fencing to protect the farm, the perpetrators still breached the barrier.

“Look at the menace! Look at what the Fulani herdsmen… they pulled down the fence and finished 20 acres of grown Cassava overnight. It was there two, three day ago. All of this place… We’ve harvested the maize and left the field only with Cassava, but now all of that is gone.”

His ordeal highlights growing concerns over farmland security and the recurring clashes between farmers and herders, which have led to widespread economic losses.

Also read: ‘No going back’ We won’t return to North, Fulani herdsmen tells Northern elders

The destruction of farmlands by herders remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with affected farmers continuously calling for stronger intervention from authorities to safeguard their livelihoods and ensure food security.