Oyo Monarch Backs Afenifere Warning as Farmers Abandon Farmlands Over Insecurity
An Oyo monarch has backed a warning from Afenifere over the worsening security challenges facing farmers across the South-West, saying the situation has become a serious concern that requires urgent attention from the government and security authorities.
The monarch warned that fear of criminals, kidnapping, attacks and other security threats is making it increasingly difficult for farmers to access their farmlands as they did in the past.
According to him, some farmers have been forced to abandon their farms completely, while others have reduced the frequency of their visits because of concerns about their safety.
The development has raised concerns about the possible consequences for agricultural production and food availability in the region.
Farmers Increasingly Afraid to Visit Their Farms
The monarch said insecurity in farming communities was no longer an issue that could be ignored, particularly because agriculture remains an important source of food for the people.
He explained that when farmers are unable to work freely on their farms because they fear being attacked or kidnapped, agricultural production is likely to suffer.
Some farmers, according to the monarch, have had to make difficult decisions about whether to continue farming or stay away from their farmlands in order to protect themselves.
He said the situation could become even more serious if farmers continue to lose confidence in their ability to safely access their farms.
The monarch stressed that farmers need to be able to travel to their farmlands without fear of criminal attacks, kidnapping or extortion.
Afenifere Raises Concern Over Food Production
The monarch's position is in line with concerns raised by Afenifere, which has warned that failure to improve security in rural communities and farming areas could have serious consequences for agricultural production and food supply.
Afenifere's warning comes amid growing concerns about the ability of farmers to continue producing enough food when many farming communities are affected by insecurity.
According to the monarch, the government needs to understand that insecurity in farming areas does not affect farmers alone.
When farmers abandon their farms or reduce agricultural activities, the effects can eventually be felt in markets and households, particularly through reduced food supply and higher prices.
He warned that a continued decline in agricultural production could place additional pressure on families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Insecurity Could Push Food Prices Higher
The monarch explained that food production depends heavily on farmers having access to their land and being able to work without constant fear.
If farmers cannot cultivate their land, harvest their crops or transport agricultural products safely, the amount of food available to consumers could decline.
Such a situation could contribute to further increases in food prices, creating additional difficulties for ordinary Nigerians.
He therefore called for greater attention to security in rural communities, saying protecting farmers should be regarded as an important part of protecting the country's food supply.
The monarch maintained that farmers should not have to choose between protecting their lives and continuing their livelihoods.
Government and Security Agencies Urged to Act
The monarch called on the government and security agencies to strengthen their efforts to protect farmers and farming communities across the region.
He said security operations should not be limited to urban areas, stressing the need for greater attention to remote communities and locations where farmers carry out their daily activities.
He also urged community leaders and traditional authorities to work closely with security agencies to identify areas experiencing security challenges and ensure that appropriate action is taken quickly.
According to him, local leaders are often in a position to provide useful information about developments within their communities and can therefore play an important role in preventing criminal activities.
Greater cooperation between communities and security agencies, he added, could help authorities respond more effectively to threats facing farmers.
Farmers Need Confidence to Return to Their Farms
The monarch further agreed with Afenifere that failure to address the security situation could eventually become a wider problem for society.
He noted that agriculture is one of the major ways communities obtain food and earn a living, making the safety of farmers an issue that affects the entire population.
He called for practical and sustained security measures that would allow farmers to return to their farmlands and carry out their activities peacefully.
The monarch said the objective should not only be to respond after attacks have occurred but also to create an environment where farmers can confidently work without constantly worrying about criminal threats.
He stressed that farmers need assurance that they can cultivate, harvest and transport their produce without being exposed to unnecessary danger.
Calls Grow for Stronger Protection of Farmers
The concerns raised by the monarch have added to growing calls for stronger security measures in farming communities across the South-West.
Many people believe that restoring security to rural areas is essential if farmers are to return fully to their farms and increase food production.
The situation also highlights the connection between security and the cost of living. If farmers are unable to produce enough food because of insecurity, consumers may ultimately face higher prices and reduced availability of essential food items.
For this reason, the protection of farmers is increasingly being viewed not only as a security responsibility but also as an important part of ensuring food security.
The monarch therefore urged the government, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to work together to tackle the problem.
He said farmers should be able to return to their farms and carry out their work in peace and without fear of kidnapping, attacks or extortion.
With agriculture playing a crucial role in feeding communities and supporting livelihoods, ensuring the safety of farmers remains an important step toward improving food production and protecting the welfare of the wider population.