Birnin Gwari Emirate Union seeks urgent action against insecurity, farmland destruction

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) has called on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to take urgent action over rising insecurity and widespread destruction of farmlands in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union expressed deep concern over recent security incidents and agricultural losses, warning that the situation threatens the fragile peace and economic stability of rural communities in the area.

The statement, signed by the President of the union, Isah Muhammad, noted that although recent peace efforts had led to noticeable improvements in security, isolated attacks and large-scale destruction of farmlands have begun to undermine those gains.

BEPU particularly mourned the killing of a former councillor of Gayam Ward, Auwal Magaji Kwaga, who was reportedly murdered by bandits along the Birnin Gwari–Kwaga road. The union described the killing as a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to destabilise the area and disrupt ongoing peace efforts.

According to BEPU, the Kaduna State Government’s peace initiatives in 2024 contributed significantly to relative stability throughout much of 2025. However, the union said the harvest season witnessed numerous incidents of cattle invading farmlands, resulting in massive crop destruction and severe losses for farmers.

The union disclosed that at least 173 farmers across several wards suffered major losses during the 2025 farming season. Affected areas include Gayam Ward, Magajin Gari I and II, Tabanni Ward, Kuyello Ward, Dogon Dawa, Kakangi, Damari, Kazage, Kutemeshi, Bugai, Samaru and Doka, among others.

BEPU stated that data obtained from affected farmers confirmed that more than 182 hectares of cultivated farmland were destroyed, with estimated losses running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Crops affected include beans, maize, sorghum, millet, soybean, rice, tomatoes, potatoes, pepper and other farm produce, which the union said are critical to household consumption and regional food supply.

Farmers who spoke to the union described the situation as devastating, warning that continued attacks on farmlands could discourage agricultural activity and worsen food insecurity in the area.

The union warned that the scale of destruction poses a serious threat to food production, rural livelihoods and community stability, noting that agriculture remains the primary source of income for most residents of Birnin Gwari.

BEPU called on the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to conduct an independent and transparent assessment to verify the extent of the damage and validate the claims of affected farmers.

The union also urged authorities to strengthen and enforce livestock grazing regulations, provide emergency relief and compensation to affected farmers, and deploy effective rural security measures ahead of future farming seasons.

While reaffirming the commitment of the people of Birnin Gwari to peace and dialogue, BEPU stressed that urgent government intervention is necessary to prevent further economic hardship and renewed insecurity in the area.