A farmer identified as Yakubu Bitrus has reportedly lost one of his hands after he was allegedly attacked by Fulani herders in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Bitrus, who spoke about the incident in a video while receiving treatment at a hospital, alleged that the attack occurred after he declined to immediately help the herders rescue a cow that had fallen into a ditch.
According to him, he was returning from the farm with two women when a young herder approached them during a meal break and asked them to help lift the trapped animal.
Bitrus said he explained that he was the only man among the three of them and could not leave the women alone. He instead advised the herder to seek assistance from other farmers nearby.
He alleged that the herder rejected the suggestion, became aggressive and threatened him, prompting him and the women to leave the area to avoid a confrontation.
Bitrus said they later returned with other people to assist with the rescue but could no longer find the herders or the cow. He alleged that the herders had hidden nearby and were monitoring their movements.
The farmer said the attackers later confronted him and his wife while they were heading home from the farm. He explained that his wife had briefly left the road to collect firewood when he heard her screaming.
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According to him, he rushed to the scene and found her being assaulted and struck on the head.
Bitrus said he picked up a piece of wood and attempted to defend himself and his wife, but other alleged attackers emerged from the bush and joined the assault.
He claimed that during the struggle, one of the attackers used a machete to sever his hand before the group fled into the bush.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and whether any arrests have been made were not stated in the report.
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