Man’s Hand Chopped Off After Refusing to Help Lift Fallen Cow

A Plateau farmer says he was attacked after refusing to help herders lift a cow that had fallen in his community.

A farmer in Plateau State has reportedly suffered a horrific injury after he refused to help a group of herders lift a fallen cow.

The farmer’s hand was allegedly chopped off during the confrontation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about tensions between farmers and herders in parts of Plateau State.

The farmer, who spoke from a hospital, reportedly described what happened to him and the circumstances that led to the attack.

What happened?

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the report, the farmer was approached by herders who wanted him to assist them in lifting a cow that had fallen.

The situation allegedly turned violent after he refused to help.

The farmer was reportedly attacked, leaving him with a severe injury to his hand.

He was later taken to hospital for treatment.

The report did not establish that the alleged attackers had been arrested or charged as of publication.

The circumstances of the incident therefore remain subject to further investigation.

Another farmer-herder flashpoint

Relations between farming communities and herders have remained sensitive in Plateau State, where disputes over farmland, cattle movement and access to resources have repeatedly created tension.

But the reported attack takes the dispute to an especially disturbing level.

A disagreement over a fallen cow allegedly ended with a farmer losing his hand.

For communities already living with fear of violence, such incidents can deepen mistrust between neighbours and worsen an already difficult security situation.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the farmer is receiving medical attention following the alleged attack.

Authorities will need to establish what happened, identify those responsible and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.