Plateau Attacks: Mutfwang Directs Cultivation of 900 Hectares of Farmland

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed the cultivation of over 900 hectares of farmland across three Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state recently plagued by crisis.

This he did in a move to stem the lingering crisis in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.
No fewer than 300 persons had been killed in these local government areas in recent months in series of attacks by gunmen. This was as over 30,000 residents had also been displaced from their homes.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, after the official flag-off of the farming intervention that took place at LigitLubang Community, Managing Director of Agricultural Services and Training Center (ASTC) in the state, Dr. Susan Bentu, said the governor has directed the intervention to cover communities affected by the attacks and farm destruction.

Bentu explained: “The Plateau State Government is partnering the ASTC to cultivate lands in these areas that suffered from the unfortunate attacks, resulting in the displacement of numerous farmers from their lands,” adding that the farming intervention would cover four communities in Riyom Local Government Area, one community in Barkin Ladi, and 14 others in Mangu LGA.

According to her, “With this initiative, the Plateau State Government aims to provide much-needed support to the affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives and regain hope for a better future.

“The government’s initiative comes as a respite for these communities, as His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved the cultivation of 900 hectares of land across three local government areas: Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs.

“The primary objective of this intervention is to enable farmers in these affected communities to salvage what remains of the farming season and prevent their farmlands from going to waste. The state government has also responded to the appeal made by farmers by providing security for the cultivated crops, encouraging displaced persons to return to their homes.”