Farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have voiced concerns over recurring herder incursions, which have led to severe destruction of their farmlands at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) agricultural farm.

According to the affected farmers, over 200 cattle were allowed to graze freely, leaving behind ravaged vegetable and crop fields. Mrs. Elizabeth Nwachukwu, a widow in her seventies, lamented the loss of her crops, including pumpkin, fluted pumpkin (ugu), greens, cassava, and yams, describing the damage as beyond recognition.

“This farm is my only source of livelihood, yet the herders deliberately unleashed their cows to destroy everything,” Mrs. Nwachukwu stated, recalling that their grievances were only met with empty consolation rather than practical solutions.

Another widow, Mrs. Ibi Eunice, shared a similar ordeal, explaining that her family faced hunger last year due to the destruction of their primary source of income. “We’ve tried to sustain ourselves without government aid, but this destruction leaves us no choice but to demand immediate action,” she said.

The farmers are urging the Ebonyi State Government to implement strict measures, including banning cattle grazing on the EBSU agricultural farm, to prevent further losses. They warn that failure to act swiftly might force them to take matters into their own hands.

This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for collaborative solutions to address farmer-herder conflicts, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure food security in the region.