By Ado Oyeyemi
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 recounted his ordeal in a video shared on social media on Friday, said the attack followed his refusal to immediately help the herders rescue a cow that had fallen into a ditch.
Speaking from a hospital where he was receiving treatment, the farmer said the incident occurred while he and two women were returning from their farms.
According to him, a young herder approached them during a break from farm work and asked them to help lift a cow that had become trapped.
Bitrus said he explained that he was the only man among the group and could not abandon the two women, suggesting instead that the herder seek assistance from other farmers nearby.
He alleged that the herder rejected the suggestion, insisting that all three of them should follow him immediately because the cow might die.
Bitrus said the situation became tense when the herder allegedly began insulting him before chasing him with a stick and a cutlass.
He added that he noticed another person hiding nearby, prompting him and the women to flee to avoid a confrontation.
The farmer said they later returned with other people to assist in rescuing the animal but found neither the herders nor the cow at the location.
He alleged that the herders had concealed themselves and watched them from the bush before launching another attack later in the day.
Bitrus said that while they were heading home, his wife briefly left the road to gather firewood. He alleged that she soon began screaming after the attackers descended on her and struck her on the head.
He said he rushed to her aid and picked up a piece of wood to defend himself and his wife, leading to a struggle with the attackers.
According to him, other herders subsequently emerged from the bush and joined the assault, during which one of them allegedly used a machete to sever one of his hands before the attackers fled.
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The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and whether any arrests have been made were not stated in the report.
