BY Ebunoluwa Olafusi
The influx of herdsmen into Miga local government area of Jigawa state is currently causing panic among residents.
Some of the herders are believed to be from Niger Republic.
Kawu Magaji, the local government secretary who confirmed the development to journalists, attributed the influx of the herders to a recent violent clash between farmers and herders in Hadejia axis of the state.
He said the displaced herders returned to Miga communities ”where there is more fertile soil suitable for grazing”.
He said the herders who are armed with weapons are allowing their cattle to graze around people’s farms and “daring the owners to approach them” .
He said about “18 rice and Guinea corn farms” have already been destroyed by the herders with the movement of their cows.
According to him, residents and farmers are now living in fear over the influx of these herders, some of whom are believed to have come from Niger Republic.
”The security officials are in the area to curtail a possible loss of lives. The aggrieved farmers were asked to stay away and allow the security personnel and local government officials to address the issue,” Magaji said.
Muhammad Garba, district head of Miga, said the herders came into the community at a time when farmers are yet to harvest their farm products.
“People are panicking because of the massive and unusual movement of herders grazing around farmlands,” he said.
“The herders came at a time when the farmers are yet to harvest their farm produce.
“Their number is what is making people fear. They came in hundreds, also well-armed.
”The people in the affected areas are living in fear as they watch the herders destroy their farm produce. It is unfortunate that they came early this time when farmers are yet to harvest their farm produce. ”
He added that a committee of farmers and herders is working to address the crisis.
”Also, as I’m speaking to you now, security personnel, including soldiers, are on the ground,” he said.
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