A farmer in Plateau State, Yakubu Bitrus, has narrated how he allegedly lost a hand during an attack by suspected herders following a disagreement over a cow that had fallen into a ditch.
The incident reportedly occurred in Agingi community in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
Bitrus, who spoke while undergoing treatment in hospital, said the confrontation began earlier in the day when a young herder approached him and two women on their farm.
Herder Asked for Help
The farmer said the herder told them that one of his cows had become trapped after falling into a ditch.
According to Bitrus, the man asked them to immediately help lift the animal.
He said he declined because he was the only man with the two women and did not want to leave them unattended.
Instead, Bitrus said he advised the herder to seek help from other farmers in the area so they could collectively rescue the cow.
The farmer alleged that the suggestion angered the herder, who insisted that they follow him because he feared the cow might die.
Bitrus said the disagreement escalated after the herder allegedly started insulting him and chasing him with a stick and cutlass.
Group Later Returned to the Area
Bitrus said he and the women initially ran away after he noticed another person apparently hiding nearby.
He later gathered other people and returned to the location with the intention of helping the herders.
However, he said they could no longer find either the cow or the herders.
The farmer alleged that the men had concealed themselves in the surrounding bush and remained there until later in the day.
Wife Also Attacked
According to Bitrus, the serious attack occurred while he was returning home after finishing work on the farm.
He said his wife stopped briefly to collect firewood while he remained on the road with another woman.
Shortly afterwards, he heard his wife screaming.
He said he rushed towards her and found her allegedly being assaulted by the attackers, who were also striking her on the head.
Bitrus said he intervened and picked up a piece of wood in an effort to defend his wife.
‘They Severed My Hand’
The farmer said the confrontation developed into a physical struggle.
He alleged that he initially exchanged blows with the attackers using sticks, but the situation became more dangerous when additional men emerged from the bush.
According to his account, several people joined the attack and began beating him.
He alleged that one of the men then used a machete to sever his hand before the attackers escaped into the bush.
Bitrus was subsequently taken for medical treatment.
The incident has added to concerns over recurring tensions between farming communities and herders in parts of Nigeria. However, the allegations in this case are based on the farmer’s account, and the circumstances surrounding the attack should be established through a proper investigation.
