SOUTH-WEST FARMERS ABANDON FARMS OVER KIDNAPPINGS – AFAN YOUTHS RAISE ALARM

Youth leaders of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the South-West have warned that escalating kidnappings and insecurity are forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands, threatening food production and livelihoods across the region.

In a communiqué issued after a press conference on Thursday, the group highlighted rising abductions of farmers, farm workers, and agribusiness investors in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states. Many have deserted their farms due to fear of attacks and ransom demands, leading to reduced agricultural output.

The communiqué, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and copied to South-West governors, acknowledged federal agricultural interventions but stressed that insecurity remains a major barrier to food security goals. It also decried destruction of crops by roaming cattle, which fuels farmer-herder conflicts.

AFAN youths called for the establishment of specialised Agro-Ranger units, joint security task forces, deployment of surveillance technologies like drones, and improved community intelligence to protect farms. They further urged tailored support including climate-smart inputs, mechanisation, and diversified livestock programmes.

Signed by leaders including Feyisayo Dada (Chairman, South-West Youth) and Jamiu Adebukanla, the group emphasised the need for urgent action to prevent setbacks in national food production efforts and to attract youth into modern, technology-driven agriculture.