Bayelsa State, in recent times has witnessed escalating tensions between local farmers and herdsmen, this conflict have led to serious conflicts affecting the system of agriculture in the state.
farmers in Bayelsa have reported numerous incidents where herdsmen’s/the cattle kippers’ cattle have invaded their farmlands, causing extensive damage to crop.
confrontations between farmers and herdsmen have escalated to violent clashes, resulting in injuries and heightened community tensions.
Farmers in Bayelsa State have raised an urgent appeal to the state government, expressing grave concerns over the worsening conditions impacting their livelihoods. Despite their critical role in providing food and sustenance to the region, these farmers are facing significant challenges that threaten their productivity and economic well-being.
Many farmers have pointed to the devastating effects of flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of government support as major contributors to their ongoing struggles. The flooding, exacerbated by seasonal rains, has submerged farmlands, destroyed crops, and rendered agricultural land unusable. Additionally, the lack of proper irrigation systems and access to essential farming tools has left many farmers unable to sustain their harvests.
The farmers have called on the state government to provide more substantial support, including better flood management systems, financial assistance, and access to improved farming technology. They are also asking for infrastructural improvements, such as better roads and transportation, to ensure that their produce reaches markets effectively.
With the majority of the population depending on agriculture for survival, the farmers’ plea highlights the need for immediate intervention to protect the state’s agricultural sector and safeguard food security.
These invasions often result in the destruction of many farm produce such as cassava, yam, and plantains, leading to substantial economic losses for the farmers in most cases,
Reports have it that In October 2024, a tragic incident occurred in the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities within Yenagoa Local Government Area. This incident underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the urgent need for intervention.
A violent clash between residents and farmers led to the death of one individual and the burning of a farm settlement.
The assailant, alleging that a youth from Otueke had stolen a cow, inflicted severe machete wounds on the teenager, resulting in deep cuts to his fingers and head. He was just a 18-year-old farmer who was attacked by a herdsman in the Otuoke Community of Ogbia Local Government Area. This attack not only caused physical harm but also intensified fears among local farmers regarding their safety.
This happened in February 2021,
Communities have responded to these constant challenges, and the affected communities have organized protests blocking the major Mbiama Yenagoa road in order to draw attention to the issue.
According to Mis Frederick Osomkume from Yenezuegene community in Yenagoa Bayelsa state, she said right from the beginning of the year 2025 their has been a massive vandalisation of farm produce by the Fulani men rearing cattles, and that they can’t do anything about it because after much complaining nobody is willing to do something about the issue
She also said a woman in her village went to farm as her normal day to day activity but noticed how all her farm produce were totally destroyed by this people, farm produce sitting in a four 4 plots of land all destroyed, she laments.
A woman from Agudama-Epie community barricaded roads to protest the destruction of their farms by cattle. They expressed frustration over the lack of effective government intervention and the continuous threats posed by roaming cattle.
Proposals include establishing designated grazing areas for herdsmen to prevent cattle from straying into farmlands and enforcing laws to protect farmers’ rights and properties. There is also a push for dialogue between farmers and herdsmen to foster mutual understanding and reduce tensions.
Local leaders and advocacy groups have called on the Bayelsa State government and relevant authorities to take decisive actions to address the conflict.
Addressing these issues this ongoing conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in Bayelsa State requires collaborative efforts from government authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and livelihoods of all parties involved
Bayelsa State, in recent times has witnessed escalating tensions between local farmers and herdsmen, this conflict have led to serious conflicts affecting the system of agriculture in the state.
farmers in Bayelsa have reported numerous incidents where herdsmen’s/the cattle rearers cattle have invaded their farmlands, causing extensive damage to crop.
confrontations between farmers and herdsmen have escalated to violent clashes, resulting in injuries and heightened community tensions.
These invasions often result in the destruction of many farm produce such as cassava, yam, and plantains, leading to substantial economic losses for the farmers in most cases,
Reports have it that In October 2024, a tragic incident occurred in the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities within Yenagoa Local Government Area. This incident underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the urgent need for intervention.
A violent clash between residents and farmers led to the death of one individual and the burning of a farm settlement.
The assailant, alleging that a youth from Otueke had stolen a cow, inflicted severe machete wounds on the teenager, resulting in deep cuts to his fingers and head. He was just a 18-year-old farmer who was attacked by a herdsman in the Otuoke Community of Ogbia Local Government Area. This attack not only caused physical harm but also intensified fears among local farmers regarding their safety.
This happened in February 2021,
Communities have responded to these constant challenges, and the affected communities have organized protests blocking the major Mbiama Yenagoa road in order to draw attention to the issue.
According to Mis Frederick Osomkume from Yenezuegene community in Yenagoa Bayelsa state, she said right from the beginning of the year 2025 their has been a massive vandalisation of farm produce by the Fulani men rearing cattles, and that they can’t do anything about it because after much complaining nobody is willing to do something about the issue
She also said a woman in her village went to farm as her normal day to day activity but noticed how all her farm produce were totally destroyed by this people, farm produce sitting in a four 4 plots of land all destroyed, she laments.
A woman from Agudama-Epie community barricaded roads to protest the destruction of their farms by cattle. They expressed frustration over the lack of effective government intervention and the continuous threats posed by roaming cattle.
Proposals include establishing designated grazing areas for herdsmen to prevent cattle from straying into farmlands and enforcing laws to protect farmers’ rights and properties. There is also a push for dialogue between farmers and herdsmen to foster mutual understanding and reduce tensions.
Local leaders and advocacy groups have called on the Bayelsa State government and relevant authorities to take decisive actions to address the conflict.
Addressing these issues this ongoing conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in Bayelsa State requires collaborative efforts from government authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and livelihoods of all parties involved
