A traditional ruler in Oyo State has supported Afenifere’s concerns over insecurity in farming communities, warning that persistent attacks and fear are forcing farmers to abandon their farms.

The monarch said the development posed a serious threat to food production and the livelihoods of rural communities, as farmers could no longer cultivate their land without fear of being attacked.

He said the situation required urgent intervention from the government and security agencies to protect farmers and restore confidence in affected communities.

The monarch backed Afenifere’s call for stronger security measures, noting that abandoning farms because of insecurity could worsen food shortages and increase the cost of agricultural produce.

He urged security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in rural areas, particularly communities where farmers had reportedly become afraid to access their farmlands.

The traditional ruler also called for greater cooperation between security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to identify emerging threats and prevent attacks.

He stressed that farmers needed to feel safe before they could return fully to their farms and contribute to food production.

The monarch urged the government to treat insecurity in farming communities as an urgent national issue, warning that failure to address the problem could have wider consequences for food security and the economy.