Author: 4ward wego

A farmer, identified as Yakubu Bitrus, has reportedly lost one of his hands after he was allegedly attacked by suspected Fulani herders in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bitrus, who narrated his ordeal from a hospital where he is receiving treatment, said the incident followed a disagreement over a cow that had reportedly fallen into a ditch.

According to the farmer, the incident occurred while he was working on his farm alongside two women. During a break, a young herder reportedly approached them and asked for their assistance to rescue a cow that had become trapped.

Bitrus said he declined to immediately follow the herder, explaining that he was the only man among the group and could not leave the two women unattended. He instead advised the herder to seek assistance from other farmers in the area so they could collectively rescue the animal.

He alleged that the herder became angry, insisting that they follow him immediately because the cow could die if help was delayed.

Bitrus said the situation escalated when the herder allegedly began insulting him and chased him with a stick and machete. Suspecting that the man might have accomplices nearby, he said he and the two women fled rather than engage in a confrontation.

The farmer said they later returned to the area with other people to assist with rescuing the cow, but neither the animal nor the herders could be found.

He alleged that the herders had instead hidden nearby and monitored their movements.

Bitrus said the attack occurred later in the day as he, his wife and another woman were returning home from the farm.

According to him, his wife briefly left the road to gather firewood while he waited with the other woman. Shortly afterwards, he heard his wife screaming and rushed towards her.

He alleged that he found the attackers assaulting his wife and hitting her on the head.

Bitrus said he picked up a piece of wood and intervened in an attempt to protect his wife and escape from the attackers. A struggle reportedly followed, initially involving sticks.

He alleged that additional herders then emerged from the bush and joined the assault. During the confrontation, one of the attackers allegedly used a machete to cut off his hand.

The attackers reportedly fled into the bush afterwards, while Bitrus was left injured and later taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report. Authorities are yet to publicly establish the circumstances surrounding the incident or announce any arrests in connection with the alleged attack.

From planting and nurturing coffee seedlings to harvesting, processing, roasting and marketing, Lingzhi Global Coffee is expanding the coffee value chain in Plateau State while creating employment opportunities for farmers, harvesters, processors, roasters, marketers and other workers.

Speaking during an interview with 4wardwego Blog at the Lingzhi Global Coffee Farm in Laminga, Jos East, the Farm Manager, Saminu Musa Santana, explained that the farm currently covers about four hectares and is focused on producing quality and healthy coffee.

Santana said coffee production begins with careful cultivation and soil management, including the application of organic manure and appropriate farm inputs to support healthy plant growth.

According to him, after planting and nurturing the coffee plants through their growth cycle, the farm eventually moves into the harvesting stage when the coffee cherries are mature and ready for collection.

The harvested coffee then undergoes several stages of processing before it becomes the familiar coffee product consumed by customers.

The process involves harvesting the ripe coffee cherries, processing and washing them, preparing and drying the beans before they are taken through roasting. The roasted beans are subsequently processed into coffee suitable for consumption.

Santana explained that the journey from the farm to the final cup involves several categories of workers, making coffee production an important source of livelihood for communities around the farm.

He noted that Lingzhi Global Coffee’s activities extend beyond its own workforce, as farmers, seasonal harvesters, workers in processing and washing units, roasters, marketers and other service providers benefit from the expanding coffee value chain.

The farm manager also highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible coffee production, stressing that Lingzhi Global follows the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) coffee compliance requirements as part of its efforts to promote responsible and traceable coffee production.

He said adherence to such standards is important as the company works with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that coffee production meets required quality and sustainability expectations.

Beyond coffee production, Santana acknowledged that the sector faces challenges, particularly those associated with farming, labour and the wider production process. However, he maintained that continued investment in coffee cultivation and processing could create even more opportunities for local communities.

With coffee moving through a chain that includes cultivation, harvesting, processing, roasting and marketing, Lingzhi Global’s Laminga operation demonstrates how agricultural value addition can generate employment while positioning Plateau State as a potential hub for quality coffee production.

The initiative also underscores the growing importance of developing local agricultural products from the farm level through to finished consumer products, creating economic opportunities at virtually every stage of the value chain.