A massive rice farm in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State was allegedly set on fire by suspected herdsmen on Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025, resulting in extensive damage.
The farm, owned by Mr. Ugbakayaa and situated at Tse Orbiam along the Naka – Makurdi road, was completely engulfed in flames. According to eyewitnesses, the blaze consumed several hectares of farmland, destroying both mature crops and harvested rice that had been gathered for threshing.
Eyewitness Mr. Ado Bartholomew said the fire spread swiftly, consuming everything in its path within minutes.
“The whole farm went up in flames within minutes. All the rice that was harvested and packed for threshing was destroyed,” Bartholomew recounted, describing the incident as a devastating loss for the family.
The Ugbakayaa family, whose main source of livelihood was the rice farm, was left in shock and despair over the destruction.
Residents and sympathizers who visited the scene condemned the repeated attacks on farmers in the area, decrying the worsening insecurity that has continued to cripple agricultural activities across Benue State.
They called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect farmers in Gwer West and other vulnerable communities facing persistent assaults and displacements linked to armed herdsmen.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
