Farmers Lives Matter Movement Calls for Urgent Action to Address Insecurity in Agriculture

The Farmers Lives Matter Movement, a Nigerian agricultural advocacy group, has called for urgent action to protect farmers, investors, and agricultural settlements from banditry, insurgency, and displacement across Nigeria.

The group made this known in a statement signed by the Media Head, Ibrahim Abubakar Jimeta on Thursday.

The organization, led by Prince Fayemi Emmanuel Abiodun, lamented that many displaced farmers now live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps without concrete plans for their resettlement or return to their lands.

The statement partly read, “A new movement, the Farmers Lives Matter Movement (FLMM), has emerged to combat the rising insecurity affecting agricultural practitioners across Nigeria.”

The group stressed that the devastating effects of security challenges have led to the deaths of numerous farmers, forced displacement of communities, and substantial financial losses in the agricultural sector.

“This is a national crisis affecting farmers and the entire economy. Insecurity prevents agricultural practitioners from farming. It also lead to food shortages, inflation, and lost investment opportunities,” the group stated

The Farmers Lives Matter Movement emphasized that insecurity has deterred both local and foreign investors from partnering with Nigerian farmers, who fear for their lives and investments. The group called on all levels of government - federal, state, and local, to take decisive action to protect agricultural stakeholders.

“FLMM's core mission includes working with farmers, agricultural investors, and government agencies to ensure a secure environment where food production can thrive without threats to lives and properties. The organization also seeks to support those who have lost their investments and provide a platform to voice their grievances. Many of our colleagues have put their life savings into this industry, some have taken loans, and they have lost everything. This must stop!,” the statement partly read.

The movement urged farmers and agricultural practitioners to unite and speak with one voice. It also urged them to collectively press the authorities for urgent security measures, arguing that if the current trend continues, more lives will be lost and the nation's food security will be in grave danger.

Additionally, the group vowed to remain vocal and committed to protecting farmers' interests. They also aim to ensure a future where agriculture can thrive in Nigeria, free from violence and destruction.