Tension erupts between farmers and hunters in Kullaa/Gbalahi over burnt cowpea farms

Tension flared between farmers and hunters in the Kullaa/Gbalahi community of the Sagnarigu Municipality in the Northern Region after sections of cowpea farms were allegedly burnt, leaving several farmers with heavy financial losses.

The incident, which has attracted public attention, has heightened anxiety among farmers, as agriculture remains the main source of livelihood in the area. Although no casualties were recorded, the situation nearly escalated into violence when affected farmers confronted the hunters and demanded an immediate halt to the burning of their crops.

A video of the confrontation has since gone viral on social media, showing agitated hunters resisting appeals from farmers. In the process, about four acres of cowpea farms were reduced to ashes, destroying months of labour and investment.

The development has raised fresh concerns about growing tensions between farmers and other land users in the community. Farmers say such acts have occurred repeatedly and are calling on the relevant authorities to intervene to prevent future incidents. They warn that failure to address the issue could trigger a wider conflict with serious implications for peace and food security.

Confirming the incident to Online Times, the Assemblyman for the Kullaa/Gbalahi Electoral Area, Mohammed Muniru, said calm has since been restored following timely intervention. He noted that residents have returned to their normal daily activities.

Mr Muniru assured that steps are being taken to engage all parties involved to ensure lasting peace and protect the livelihoods of farmers in the community.

By: Baba Kamil Mohammed, Northern Region.

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