Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Farmers in Rewienku village, Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, are counting heavy losses after suspected armed attackers reportedly destroyed more than eight hectares of cultivated farmland in a night operation that has intensified fears over recurring rural violence in the area.
The incident, confirmed on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Jos, was disclosed by the National Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Danjuma Dickson Auta, who said the attack occurred on Wednesday night, May 27, 2026, when armed men invaded the agrarian community under cover of darkness.
According to community accounts, the attackers reportedly moved through multiple farmlands in Rewienku, deliberately destroying cultivated crops while firing sporadically to prevent residents from accessing their farms. Villagers said the assault appeared coordinated, with the assailants targeting food crops already nearing maturity ahead of the next harvest cycle.
Local sources in the Irigwe axis described the destruction as extensive, noting that farms spanning different sections of the village were affected. Residents said they discovered the scale of the damage only after returning to their farms following the attack, with many reporting total loss of maize, yam, and other staple crops.
The Irigwe Development Association, through its leadership, condemned the attack and urged security agencies to strengthen their presence in rural farming communities across Bassa LGA. The group warned that repeated assaults on farmlands were worsening food insecurity and economic hardship among agrarian families who depend solely on seasonal farming.
Security analysts say Plateau State’s rural areas, particularly parts of Bassa, have experienced cycles of violent incursions over the years, often involving armed groups operating through forest corridors. These incidents have frequently resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of agricultural assets critical to local livelihoods.
Community leaders in Rewienku have also called for urgent government intervention, including deployment of rapid-response security units and improved intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks. They argue that continued destruction of farmlands could deepen tensions between farming communities and suspected armed groups operating in surrounding areas.
As of Saturday, May 30, 2026, no arrests had been announced in connection with the attack, and security agencies had yet to issue a comprehensive public briefing. Investigations and field assessments were reportedly ongoing in collaboration with local community representatives.
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