A recent report by SB Morgan Intelligence has shed light on the plight of farmers in Northern Nigeria, revealing that they are paying exorbitant sums, up to N100,000, to gain access to their farmlands during planting or harvesting seasons.
This disturbing practice stems from the pervasive insecurity across Northern Nigeria, where non-state actors often dominate in the absence of adequate state security presence.
The report highlights that failure to comply with these demands often leads to severe consequences, including forfeiture of harvest, abduction, or even death.
In several communities in Kaduna State, farmers have reported being coerced into paying between N70,000 and N100,000 to bandits for permission to farm. Additional payments are sometimes required for harvesting, further exacerbating the financial burden on already struggling farmers.
Quoting the report, “In Kaduna, communities like Kidandan, Galadimawa Kerawa, Sabon Layi, Sabon Birni, and Ruma have been significantly impacted. Residents in these areas have reported paying substantial sums ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 to bandits for permission to farm, with additional payments required for harvesting. Those who resist these demands face severe consequences, including abduction, murder, or confiscation of their produce.”
