Plateau State farmer allegedly loses hand in attack by Fulani herders

A farmer identified as Yakubu Bitrus reportedly lost a hand following an alleged attack by a group of Fulani herders in the Agingi community of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Bitrus stated in a social media video recorded while receiving hospital treatment that the dispute began when a young herder requested help lifting a cow that had fallen into a ditch. Bitrus declined the immediate request, explaining that he was accompanied by two women and did not want to leave them alone on the farm. He suggested the herder seek assistance from other farmers to work together on the rescue.

The situation reportedly escalated when the herder allegedly rejected the suggestion and issued a warning regarding the animal's survival. Bitrus claimed the herder became hostile, using insults and chasing him with a stick and a cutlass. After attempting to flee, Bitrus alleged that the attackers eventually caught up with him and severed his hand with a machete.