Kebbi Farmers lament destruction of ₦30m worth of crops in alleged encroachment

Farmers in Gulumbe village, located in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have raised alarm over what they describe as the forceful takeover of their ancestral farmlands.

They have appealed to Governor Nasir Idris to urgently intervene in the matter.

Speaking to Daily Watch Nigeria journalists on Tuesday, a community spokesperson, Abubakar Tafidan-Gulumbe, explained that farmlands cultivated by generations of farmers were being cleared without notice by one Mustapha Sani-Zauro, who reportedly arrived with heavy machinery.

According to Tafidan-Gulumbe, when challenged, Sani-Zauro claimed to be working on behalf of certain members of the Governor’s family, a claim the villagers say they firmly reject.

“We do not believe Governor Idris would authorise such actions.”

“He has always been known for his honesty and respect for due process. In fact, he once bought land directly from me in a legitimate transaction,” Tafidan-Gulumbe stated.

He expressed deep concern over the scale of damage, saying over 180 farmers had been affected, with crop losses estimated at over ₦30 million.

Crops such as maize, millet, groundnuts, and guinea corn were already planted when the machinery began clearing the land.

“Our entire rainy season effort is now under threat,” he added, pleading for government protection to stop further encroachment.

The Gulumbe community also vowed to follow legal and traditional steps to address the situation.

Tafidan-Gulumbe said petitions would be submitted to security agencies, and the matter would be reported to the Emirate Council. Local government representatives have also been informed to prevent the youth from taking laws into their own hands.

“We trust in Governor Idris’ leadership and are calling on him to ensure justice is served,” he said.

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The Kebbi State Government is yet to issue a response to the farmers’ allegations.