A farmer identified as Yakubu Bitrus has reportedly lost one of his hands after being attacked by suspected herders in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Bitrus alleged that the attackers assaulted him after he declined an earlier request to help rescue a cow that had fallen into a ditch.
The farmer recounted his experience in a video shared on social media on Friday while receiving treatment at a hospital.
Dispute Started Over Fallen Cow
According to Bitrus, he was returning from the farm with two women when a young herder approached them during a break.
He said the herder informed them that one of his cows had fallen and asked them to help lift the animal.
Bitrus explained that he was the only man among the group and did not want to leave the two women alone. He therefore suggested that the herder seek assistance from other farmers nearby so they could work together to rescue the cow.
He alleged that the herder rejected the suggestion and insisted that all three of them follow him immediately.
According to the farmer, the herder warned that the cow could die and that there would be consequences if the animal did not survive.
Bitrus said the situation became tense after the herder allegedly began insulting him before chasing him with a stick and a cutlass.
Farmer Says He Tried to Avoid Confrontation
Bitrus said he noticed another person hiding nearby and became concerned that the herder might not be alone.
Rather than confront the man, he said he and the two women ran away.
He later returned with other people after finding assistance, intending to help rescue the animal.
However, he said neither the herders nor the cow was still at the location when they arrived.
Bitrus alleged that the attackers had instead hidden in the bush and were monitoring him and the women.
Attack Allegedly Happened on Way Home
After completing their work for the day, Bitrus said he and the women began their journey home.
He explained that his wife briefly left the road to collect firewood while he waited nearby with another woman.
According to him, he soon heard his wife screaming and rushed towards her.
He alleged that he found the attackers assaulting his wife and hitting her on the head.
Bitrus said he picked up a piece of wood and confronted the attackers in an attempt to protect his wife and escape from the situation.
Farmer Says Machete Was Used
He said a struggle initially broke out between them using sticks.
However, according to his account, additional men emerged from the bush and joined the assault.
Bitrus alleged that one of the attackers subsequently used a machete to sever his hand.
He said the attackers fled into the bush afterwards.
The account has raised fresh concerns about the safety of farmers and rural communities in parts of Plateau State. The allegations would require investigation by the relevant security authorities to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
