Taraba farmers defy kidnapping, back to farms

Despite high rate of kidnapping in Taraba rural areas more people have engaged in farming activities across farming communities this cropping season.

North East Trust finding revealed that high cost of food stuffs being experience in the state has attracted more people into farming despite kidnapping.

Last year, North East Trust finding revealed that  several farmers were abducted mostly in their farms but the insecurity did not discourage people from going to the farms.

It was discovered that land which was not cultivated last year is being utilized for crops production across different locations in the state this cropping season.

Areas worse affected by kidnapping last year, include Lau, Karim-Lamido,Bali, Gassol and Ardo-Kola local government area.

However, an investigation by our correspondent showed many farmers in remote locations have gone back to their farms even in area worse affected by kidnapping.

A farmer, Mallam Yakubu Bala,told North East  Trust that last year he narrowly escape being kidnapped while working in his farm but two of his neighbours were not so luck and had to pay ransoms before they were released.

He said he was not discouraged because there is no any option for him to get income and  considering the cost of food stuffs witnessed this year farming remains the best option for rural communities in the state.

Another farmer, Mr David Bulus, also said, though there is high risk involved in going to farm, especially  farms located in remote areas, but farming remains the only option for rural communities for income and food security.

He said most farming communities have put in measures to guard them against being  kidnapped while working on their farms.

A large scale farmer, Alhaji Ali Maihula however urged state and federal governments to put in place measures to guarantee the safety of farmers working in their farms.