A farmer identified as Yakubu Bitrus has reportedly lost a hand after he was allegedly attacked by a group of Fulani herdsmen in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Bitrus recounted the incident in a video shared on social media on Friday while receiving treatment in a hospital. He alleged that the confrontation began after he declined a herder’s request for help to rescue a cow that had fallen into a ditch.
The farmer said he had been working on his farm with two women when a young herder approached them during a break and asked them to help lift the animal. Bitrus said he explained that he was the only man among the group and suggested that the herder seek help from other farmers nearby.
According to Bitrus, the herder rejected the suggestion and insisted that they follow him immediately. He said the situation became tense after the herder allegedly began insulting him and chased him with a stick and a cutlass.
Bitrus said he and the two women initially withdrew to avoid a confrontation. He later returned with other people to assist with the cow, but they could not find either the animal or the herders. He alleged that the group had concealed themselves nearby.
The farmer said the attack happened later while he was returning home with his wife and another woman. He alleged that his wife was attacked after briefly leaving the road to collect firewood, prompting him to intervene.
Bitrus said a struggle followed as he tried to protect his wife and escape. He alleged that additional herders emerged from nearby bushland and joined the attack, during which one of them used a machete and severely injured his hand before the group fled.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack have not been independently established from the account provided. Bitrus is receiving medical treatment, while the incident is expected to draw attention to the continuing security challenges faced by farmers and rural communities in parts of Plateau State.
