Kidnapping, Extortion Worsening Nigeria’s Food Insecurity, AFAN Warns

Kidnapping, Extortion Worsening Nigeria’s Food Insecurity, AFAN Warns

By Fly Cable News

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has warned that food shortages in the country will continue due to rising kidnappings, killings of farmers, and the occupation of farmlands. The association also raised concerns about the growing extortion of farmers, particularly at illegal checkpoints, which is further exacerbating food insecurity.

Speaking at the 46th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security in Calabar, Cross River State, Chief Daniel Okafor, AFAN’s National Vice President, emphasized the urgent need for action from the government. He urged that discussions from the meeting must be followed by tangible policies and actions, noting that security challenges in farming regions must be addressed to ensure food security.

“Insecurity remains a major issue for farmers,” Okafor said. “Farmers are being kidnapped, killed, and their farmlands occupied by bandits, causing many to abandon their farms. This leads to a significant reduction in food production, resulting in higher prices and widespread hunger.”

Okafor also highlighted the impact of extortion at illegal checkpoints on the cost of food. He explained that farmers transporting goods like oranges from Benue State face extortion charges of at least N20,000 at numerous checkpoints on their way to markets in states like Anambra. These costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, driving up food prices.

The AFAN leader called for the government to take action against these illegal checkpoints and ensure that farm produce can be transported without unnecessary delays or financial burdens.

He also urged the government to distribute farm inputs directly to genuine farmers, rather than to political elites, and to ensure that farmers benefit from government budgetary allocations meant to support agriculture.