Fulani Herders Cut Off Farmers Hand Over Alleged Refusal to Help Lift Fallen Cow in Plateau State

A Nigerian farmer, Yakubu Bitrus, has lost one of his hands after being attacked by a group of Fulani herdsmen in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred on Friday, following a dispute over assistance to lift a cow that had fallen into a ditch. Bitrus, who was with two women at the time, initially refused the herders’ request for help, citing safety concerns. He advised them to seek help from other nearby farmers, but the herders rejected his suggestion and became aggressive.

The farmer recounted the events in a video clip shared on social media while receiving medical treatment in a hospital. He explained that he and the women were returning from their farm after a meal break when the confrontation began. A young herder approached them, claiming his cow was stuck and needed urgent help. Bitrus politely declined, stating he could not leave the two women alone to assist. He suggested they contact other farmers for collective help, but the herder dismissed this, warning that the cow might die if not rescued immediately.

Tensions escalated quickly as the herder began insulting Bitrus before chasing him with a stick and a cutlass. Sensing danger and noticing someone hiding nearby, Bitrus decided not to engage and fled with the women. They later returned with others to help rescue the cow, but found neither the animal nor the herders at the scene. After waiting five minutes, they left, unaware that the attackers were hiding and watching them.

On their way home, Bitrus’s wife briefly left the path to gather firewood. Moments later, he heard her screaming and rushed to her aid. He found her being assaulted and struck on the head by the herdsmen. In an attempt to protect her, Bitrus grabbed a piece of wood and confronted the attackers. A violent struggle ensued, during which more herdsmen emerged from the bush and joined the assault. One of them used a machete to sever Bitrus’s hand before the group fled into the forest.

Bitrus’s account highlights the growing insecurity faced by farmers in Plateau State, particularly amid recurring clashes between herders and farmers. The incident has sparked outrage across social media platforms, with many calling for immediate action from security agencies. Authorities have yet to release an official statement or confirm arrests. This attack adds to a pattern of violence in the region, where disputes over land and livestock often escalate into deadly confrontations. The situation remains tense as communities demand justice and protection for civilians caught in these conflicts.