Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Over four hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Gassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, through the use of hazardous herbicides on crops.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) has expressed sadness and concern over what it described as the growing use of cruel and destructive strategies allegedly linked to Fulani militancy, aimed not only at ethnic cleansing but also at economic sabotage through the destruction of crops with hazardous chemicals.
The attack affected more than thirteen maize and hot pepper farms belonging to residents of the Gassa community in Ropp District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
It reportedly occurred in the early hours of April 15, 2026.
According to one of the victims, the chemicals were applied to dry-season farmlands covering at least four hectares overnight, with the intent not only to destroy the crops, particularly hot pepper, which was already being harvested, but also to deter farmers from returning to their farms.
The BYM described the incident as a “full-scale” economic war being waged alongside ongoing banditry and terrorism against their people.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time such an act has been carried out. Last year, similar attacks were reported on crops nearing harvest in villages within Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The latest incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, has left previously healthy and green crops showing clear signs of withering as the effects of the chemicals continue to manifest.
According to the BYM, this development has raised serious concerns among farmers and residents, especially as such actions undermine efforts to address food security challenges in the state.
In response to this disturbing trend, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), under the leadership of its President, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has called on the government, particularly security agencies, to take decisive action to curb and end the menace and prevent a recurrence.
The association warned that the deliberate destruction of farmlands poses a serious threat to food security and the livelihoods of local farmers, especially as the rainy season approaches and irrigation harvests are ongoing.
The BYM also urged security agencies and government authorities to urgently investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice, warning that such acts could further escalate tensions in Gassa, Barkin Ladi, and surrounding communities.
The group further appealed for increased security surveillance in farming communities, particularly by the special security outfit, Agro Rangers, to prevent further attacks on agricultural produce and ensure that farmers can safely harvest their crops.