Jimoh Ahmed, Owo
Weeks after the June 5 Owo Catholic Church massacre, farmers in the ancient town are still afraid to go to their farms, investigations by The Hope have revealed.
Many of the farmers, especially around Ute road and Jugbere roads farm settlements, stated that their fear is coming on the heels of the fact that the attackers escaped through that route.
They equally disclosed that the area is home to the large expanse of government forest reserves known as an abode of dangerous herdsmen and terrorists.
Speaking with our reporter, Saliu Eneye, a farmer at Ago Sanusi farm settlement said he has temporarily relocated to Owo for fear of being attacked by the terrorists who are believed to have hideouts in the forest reserves.
Eneye who is from Kogi said his farms are now weedy and cannot go to clear the place.
He disclosed that he might lose his investments, which he said is up to N500, 000.00 since he might end up with low yield arising from inadequate care of the farm.
Another farmer, Adewale Agbomola, said he and other farmers at Ago Yeye around Jugbere road have abandoned their farms since the attack.
According to Agbomola, their fear emanated from the fact that the attackers escaped through the area and since there is the belief that they may still be lurking around, they feel it will be safe to stay away from their camp.
The duo however said this may lead to shortage of foodstuffs and rise in price as hunger and starvation are imminent.