Farmers in Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State are living in fear following threats issued by suspected terrorists from the notorious Lakurawa group, warning them against the use of mechanised farming equipment.
According to reports by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the terrorists vowed to kill anyone caught using machines instead of cattle for farming. The warning has sparked widespread panic in affected communities, many of which had recently adopted modern farming methods due to rampant cattle rustling in the area.
“Now, the terrorists are dictating how we should farm,” a local resident told reporters. “They forbid us from using machines. When we use cattle, they seize them. We’re farming both for sustenance and commercial purposes.”
An intelligence source reportedly confirmed that the threats were real and had been circulated across several villages in Augie LGA. Residents are now calling on the military and government authorities for urgent intervention to avert a looming crisis.
The region has experienced a surge in attacks and cattle thefts, largely blamed on the same Lakurawa group. In April, suspected gunmen from the group killed 13 local vigilantes in Morai village during an ambush on a mission to recover stolen cattle.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Nafiu Abubakar, said he was aware of the situation and promised to investigate the matter.