The Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) is calling for urgent government action to end the persistent violence against farmers in Benue State. The association decries the growing number of attacks targeting women, many of whom have been killed or subjected to horrific abuses.

Benue, often described as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” plays a vital role in the country’s food security. Yet, insecurity is pushing women farmers off their lands, cutting off livelihoods and worsening food shortages.

Veronica Gume, SWOFON’s State Coordinator, told WADR that women in 17 local government areas have been forced into dire living conditions, unable to access their farmlands due to the escalating crisis.