Niger farmers pay vigilantes to protect crops

Farmers in Minna, the Niger State capital, and its environs have said they now pay vigilantes to protect their maize and groundnuts that are due for harvest from thieves.

A farmer, Alhaji Yahaya Nda, told City & Crime that thieves usually invaded farms in the night, especially maize and groundnut farms.

Isah Mohammed, a resident of Korokpa community in Bosso LGA, said, “I went to my farm which is not too far from my home in the morning and saw where some maize were harvested. So, when it was night. Around 1am, from where I was hiding with my cutlass, I saw three men, each holding an empty sack, coming to harvest. As they stepped into my farm, I flashed my torchlight and shouted for help and they ran away.”