…Says over 200 Kaduna farmers kidnapped
Rising insecurity across Nigeria’s farming communities is disrupting the 2026 planting season, with farmers abandoning farmlands over fears of attacks, kidnappings and banditry.
Reports indicate that violence has intensified in key agricultural states, including Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and parts of the North-West, forcing many farmers to flee. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that up to 35 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity if agricultural disruptions continue.
Vice-President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Daniel Okafor, said farmers are willing to cultivate their lands but fear for their safety, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes have affected thousands of farmers nationwide.
Farmers in Nasarawa, Abuja and Kogi also expressed concerns that insecurity is limiting access to farmlands, reducing production and threatening food supplies.
Meanwhile, AFAN Kaduna State Chairman, Nuhu Aminu, revealed that more than 200 farmers have been abducted across Kaduna communities this year.
He said many farmers have abandoned their farms, while some communities in Kajuru, Chikun, Birnin-Gwari, Kachia and Giwa LGAs reportedly pay levies to bandits to access farmlands.
Aminu also cited poor returns on investment and delayed distribution of subsidised farm inputs as major challenges facing farmers.
Local farmers warned that unless security improves, agricultural output could decline significantly this season.
