Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Southern Kaduna, Nigeria – Aggrieved farmers in Southern Kaduna, predominantly women, returned to the streets on Saturday to protest the destruction of their farmlands and recurring attacks by armed herders. Despite earlier attempts to prevent demonstrations earlier in the week, the protesters marched determinedly, sending a strong message to both local authorities and security agencies.
The demonstrators, many of whom were barefoot and dressed in black, came from several villages including Aribi, Kenyi, Kutaho, Kabara, Kushe, Dogonkurmi, Katugal, Nkojo, and Kurmin Jibrin. Faces painted black, leaves on their heads and in their mouths, symbolized mourning and deep anguish over the devastation inflicted on their communities. Children and men joined the procession, which was marked by solemn songs and prayers, including chants pleading for divine intervention against the ongoing violence.
The march culminated at the palace of the Chief of Koro, His Highness Yohanna Akaito, in Kurmin Jibrin, Kagarko Local Government Area. Demonstrators forced their way into the palace, beseeching the traditional ruler to intervene and compel government and security agencies to act promptly.
Speaking before the monarch, one of the women, representing the community, lamented the immense loss endured by the farmers. She said their livelihoods had been decimated, leaving widows, orphans, and suffering families without means of sustenance. “Our farmlands have been destroyed; everything we toiled for is gone. Each time we defend our farms, we are attacked with machetes. They are killing our husbands and children,” she said, her voice heavy with grief.
The protesters warned that if their grievances were not addressed, they would return to the streets, escalating their demonstrations. They appealed to the Chief for urgent intervention, urging him to mobilize traditional and governmental authorities to restore peace, enforce justice, and ensure the protection of their lands and families.
Observers noted that the protest highlights the ongoing tension between farmers and herders in Southern Kaduna, where attacks on agricultural lands have intensified, threatening food security and the wellbeing of local communities. The demonstrators’ return to the streets underscores the urgency of coordinated action by government, security agencies, and traditional institutions to address the conflict and prevent further loss of life and property.
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