Insecurity Forcing South-West Farmers Off Their Farms – Afenifere Warns
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
IBADAN, Nigeria – Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that worsening insecurity across parts of South-West Nigeria is forcing many farmers to abandon their farms, raising concerns over food production and national food security.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the organisation said findings from engagements with residents in Oke-Ogun and parts of Oyo and Ondo states revealed that kidnapping, violent attacks and destruction of farmlands were discouraging farming activities.
According to Afenifere, many farmers have stopped visiting their farms because of fear of abduction or attacks, while others are discouraged by poor returns on agricultural produce and exploitation by middlemen.
The organisation also identified open grazing and the destruction of crops as major factors affecting agricultural productivity in the region.
It cited several recent incidents, including the killing of a female farmer in Ondo State, the abduction of poultry farmer Ooreoluwa Osonuga in Ikenne, Ogun State, the killing of four farmers in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and the continued captivity of Debo Farounbi, who was abducted in Osun State despite reports that a ransom had already been paid.
Afenifere warned that persistent insecurity could further discourage investment in agriculture and threaten food availability if urgent action is not taken.
The group referenced concerns raised by agricultural stakeholders, including former Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association Chairman, Olugbenga Obaweya, who warned that insecurity was already affecting food production and employment within the agricultural value chain.
It also cited comments by the President of the Cowpea and Beans Farmers Association of Nigeria, Shitu Kabir, who reportedly linked declining agricultural output to insecurity.
To address the situation, Afenifere called for stronger security across the South-West through increased manpower and equipment for the Amotekun Corps pending the establishment of state police.
About the Author
Hope Ajayi 
Oluwatobi Adu 