Benue Farmer Abandons Crops As Bandits Demand N500k To Allow Him Harvest

A Benue farmer was compelled to abandon his crops after bandits demanded N500,000 ransom before he could harvest his yield. The farmer's son, a university student, disclosed this on the sidelines of a workshop focused on promoting safety and security rights in Makurdi. The bandits had invaded the farmer's village two weeks prior while the family was asleep.

The attackers demanded N500,000 ransom, but the father, who was still harvesting his groundnut, beniseed, soybean, and other crops, could not afford the sum. Initially, the bandits gave the family three days to pay, but later extended it to one week. The student mentioned that his father sought financial help from relatives and managed to raise N200,000, which he delivered to the bandits at midnight last Thursday.

However, before the payment was made, the bandits abducted his mother, suspecting the delay in ransom. She was eventually released but suffered emotional and physical trauma from the torture. When his father returned with the N200,000, the bandits rejected the money and insisted on the full amount before he could resume farming.

The threats have forced the father to flee, leaving some crops unharvested. The student also revealed that other residents have faced similar attacks, with his father previously assaulted multiple times. He explained that the bandits move freely in the area, some of them being known locals from the same community. The student added that villagers rarely report such incidents to the police due to fear of repercussions on their families, as some who had tried had been killed by the bandits.