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Farmers in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly received threats from terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group, warning them against replacing traditional cattle-driven farming methods with mechanised equipment.
According to reports by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the terrorists warned that anyone found using mechanised tools in place of cattle for farming would be executed. The warning has triggered fear and panic among residents of affected communities, many of whom had begun shifting to modern farming techniques in response to ongoing cattle rustling in the region.
“Now, the terrorists are dictating how we should farm,” a local source was quoted as saying. “They forbid us from using machines. When we use cattle, they seize them. We’re farming both for sustenance and commercial purposes.”
An intelligence source also reportedly confirmed that the threats were genuine and circulated among several villages in Augie LGA. Community members are now calling for urgent intervention from the Nigerian military and government.
The area has suffered repeated attacks and widespread cattle rustling, allegedly by the same group. In April, at least 13 vigilantes were killed in Morai village, also in Augie LGA, after suspected Lakurawa gunmen ambushed them during a failed attempt to recover stolen livestock.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Nafiu Abubakar, said he would investigate the development.
In other news, A former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Bayelsa State.
The Eastern Updates reported that President Tinubu was in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday in his scheduled visit to the state amid rising concerns over recent violent attacks on innocent Nigerians by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
He met with key stakeholders in the state following the massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, which sparked outrage across the country.
In response to the crisis, Tinubu issued orders to the state governor and security chiefs at the Town Hall meeting.
