Another Farmer Quit Farming In North As Bandits Give Farmers Two Options

The insecurity in the north has continued to force farmers to close their farm business as farmers have to choose between staying alive or die while trying to earn a living in northern state like Katsina where bandits now preside over farm operations.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of bandits running riot across northern states without police intervention. The activities of bandits not only affect motorists, but also farm owners. To farm in the region, farmers now have to pay dues to the bandits.

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The bandits placed an obligatory fee on farmers who don't want their farmers destroyed or have their lives be at risk. The amount is dependent on the size of farm, but the fee is said to between in the range of six zeros in naira (from NGN100,000 and above).

Payment is in two categories; Planting Period and Harvest Period. Dues paid to bandits give the farmers immunity from bandits onslaught. Farmers that pay to plant on his or her farmland, but failed to pay for Harvest period, will be prevented from harvesting their crop.

This has led to another farmer, popularly known as Naijafarmer, stop operation on his farm, until further notice. While sharing his experience, he said he can't visit his farm due to fear of being kidnapped by the bandits. He added that the locals are rejecting farm work, they are scared and leaving.

"I have made the painful decision to close down my Katsina farm. Insecurity is a big problem, I can't even visit my farm for fear of being kidnapped or killed. Na who dey alive dey farm... We'll go back when coast clear.

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"People are leaving in droves. Even the locals." He said while responding to questions, adding that, "Imagine your prayers going to the farm is God don't let me doe today and you're working with your heart on your mouth.

"Any sound triggers you and you start running or hiding without any cause. That's not farming that's hypertension" said. "The locals are rejecting farm work. They're scared and leaving." His tweets read.

"I just want to be successful in my own country alas my country KILL dreams and aspiration. The katsina farm is my biggest and most rewarding but what can I do when life is at stake."