Group Urges Return of 14,718 Displaced Nasarawa Farmers Amid Ongoing Hardships
A farmers’ organisation, the United Farmers’ Association Kadarko, has appealed to federal, state and local governments to assist in returning nearly 14,718 displaced farmers to their communities after being forced from their homes and farmlands due to violence last year.
The mass displacement stems from the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata, a community in Benue State, which borders Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The attack prompted many farmers, predominantly from the Tiv ethnic group, to flee for safety, abandoning their farms, homes and means of livelihood.
According to the group’s chairman, Dennis Denen Gbongbon, the displaced individuals include people from 314 communities who are now scattered across Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, particularly near International Market, Makurdi. Many others are living with relatives or host communities, often struggling without shelter or stable means of support.
Gbongbon outlined ongoing challenges faced by the displaced farmers, including lack of accommodation, food shortages, limited access to healthcare and trauma from their experiences. He said most of the affected have been unable to return to farming activities due to insecurity and loss of their farmland.
The association, in collaboration with community leaders and security agencies, has set January 31, 2026 as the target date to begin returning the displaced farmers to their ancestral homes, provided that necessary support is received.
To facilitate this, the group is appealing for logistical and material assistance, such as transportation (buses), food supplies, relief materials and medical support, from the governments of Nasarawa and Benue states, traditional leaders, security agencies and well‑meaning citizens.
During a recent visit to the Lafia Emirate Council, members of the association sought the backing of His Royal Highness, Emir Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), who assured them of the council’s support in coordinating the safe return of the displaced farmers and rallying additional assistance from stakeholders.
The displacement reflects broader security challenges in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt that have disrupted agricultural activities and contributed to humanitarian needs among rural farming communities.