by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Over 4 hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Gassa, Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, through what has been ascribed to the use of “hazardous herbicides” on crops.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association has expressed sadness over the advancement in the evil and sadistic strategies of Fulani militancy, which is aimed not only at ethnic cleansing but also at economic warfare through the use of hazardous herbicides on crops.
This was carried out on over thirteen maize and hot pepper farms belonging to inhabitants of Gassa Community in Ropp District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, in the midnight of 15th April, 2026.
According to one of the victims, the chemicals were applied on dry-season farmlands covering at least four hectares overnight, with the intent not only to destroy the crops – particularly the hot pepper, which was already under harvest – but also to scare farmers away from returning to their farms.
The BYM firmly views this as a “FULL-SCALE” economic war being waged alongside the ongoing banditry and terrorism persistently meted out on their people.
“It is worthy of mention that this is not the first time such an act has been perpetrated. Last year, the same elements carried out a similar attack on crops that were about to be harvested in villages within Fan District of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area.
“The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, has left the affected crops, which were previously green and healthy, now showing clear signs of drying-up as the effects of the chemicals continue to manifest.”
According to BYM, “This sad development has raised serious concern among farmers and residents of the area, given the fact that these criminally-minded elements are increasingly rendering the “State of Emergency” declared on food security ineffective and counterproductive.
“Following this new trend adopted by these enemies of humanity, the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of its President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, calls on the government, particularly security agencies, to take drastic and decisive actions to curb and end this dangerous and troubling development, in order to prevent a recurrence of such dastardly acts.
“The Association warns that the deliberate destruction of farmlands poses a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of local farmers, particularly at a time when the rainy season is approaching and irrigation farming harvests are ongoing.
“The BYM further calls on security agencies and government authorities to urgently investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, as such acts could further heighten tensions in Gassa, Barkin-Ladi, and surrounding communities.”
The group also appeals for increased security surveillance around farming communities by the special security outfit, “Agro Rangers,” to prevent further attacks on agricultural produce and ensure that farmers are protected and able to harvest their crops safely.