Food Insecurity: Over 1,356 farmers killed in Nigeria since 2020- Report

A recent report by S.B Morgan Intelligence reveals that a minimum of 1,356 farmers have been killed, predominantly in the Northern region of the country, between 2020 and 2024. The report outlines the impact of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests and explains why the protests have been particularly intense in many northern states. Factors contributing to this unrest include increased insecurity in farming communities and a growing hunger crisis.

The report highlights that between July 2023 and June 2024, the North experienced a surge in kidnappings, with over ten times the number of victims compared to the South. It also points out that the region, which is crucial for supplying the country's agricultural needs, has seen its farmers subjected to multiple taxes imposed by bandit groups operating in rural areas.

According to the report, "In early 2024, SBM found that no less than N139 million was paid as farm levies (including planting and harvesting) to bandits who demanded at least N224 million across the North between 2020 and 2023." Furthermore, during the same period, at least 1,356 farmers were killed nationwide, with most of the fatalities occurring in the North. These illegal tolls have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to access their lands, exacerbating the country's food insecurity, which is already worsened by factors like an unstable currency.

The report also identifies insecurity as the second most critical issue facing farmers, after poor road infrastructure. This insecurity has had a significant impact on Nigerian households, worsening the overall security situation in the country.

The emergence of Russian flags at protest sites in the North, particularly in Kano, is also discussed in the report. This development reflects sentiments reminiscent of the military coups that have recently occurred across West Africa, with neighboring Niger Republic being the latest. Although the report suggests that top military officials are unlikely to support a coup, it does not rule out the possibility of such sentiments existing among junior officers.

The report mirrors findings from an earlier study that indicated northern farmers pay up to N100,000 to access and harvest their farms. The severe insecurity in North-west Nigeria, a key agricultural region, has led to increased food prices, reduced food supply, and a decline in investment in agricultural ventures. As a result, Nigeria is facing a food security crisis, with food inflation reaching 40.87% as of June 2024. The combination of widespread poverty, stagnant wages, and rising hunger has led to an increase in protests and attacks on food trucks and warehouses, particularly in the North, contributing to the ongoing food crisis.

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