Group takes herder to court over destruction of agricultural produce worth N15 million — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

A cattle herder, Saidu Muhammad, appeared before the Doma High Court, Nasarawa State, charged with criminal intimidation, mischief and trespass.
He is accused of deliberately driving his cattle and sheep onto farmland belonging to the Abundance of Hope Initiative (AHI), causing significant damage to corn and bean crops.

AHI, represented by lawyer Abigail Musa, alleges that on September 28, 2024, Muhammad and other herdsmen forcibly entered AHI’s 10-hectare farm along Alagye Road, Doma, although they were refused permission to graze their livestock.

The court heard that AHI field supervisor Jonathan Akwe Agbadu, along with local hunters, attempted to stop the herdsmen from entering the property but were overwhelmed by the large number of animals.

Muhammad and his fellow herdsmen then allegedly threatened Agbadu and other farm workers with knives, machetes and sticks. AHI reported the incident to the Doma Divisional Police Headquarters, leading to the arrest of Muhammad. His accomplices reportedly fled the scene when the police arrived.

The destruction of the crops, which were about to be harvested, resulted in an estimated loss of over N15 million to AHI, according to Musa. Muhammad has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail of one million naira with two sureties, one of whom must be a traditional ruler or person of notable character. The matter was adjourned to October 28 for a hearing.