Thieves have raided the 10,000-hectare rice farm owned by the Nasarawa State Government, stealing harvested rice paddies from the site.
The farm, located in the Jangwa community of Awe Local Government Area, began its harvest in October as part of the state’s initiative to ensure food security.
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Governor Abdullahi Sule, who had visited the farm to oversee the harvest, noted that 2,000 hectares of the farm were being harvested. The rice farm, planted seven months ago, is part of the state’s efforts to support the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which aims to combat hunger in the country.
On Friday, Governor Sule raised the alarm about the theft, describing it as both unfortunate and sad. A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, quoted the governor saying, “Whereas the state government is pleased with the yield recorded, it is however saddened by the level of theft recorded during the harvest.”
Governor Sule shared his concerns after receiving a thank-you visit from a delegation of sons and daughters of Azara community, led by HRH Sarkin Azara, Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim. During the meeting, the governor expressed his displeasure over the theft and reassured the public that the government would not be discouraged by the setback.
“We will not be deterred. We are determined that Nasarawa State, being an agricultural state, government must be at the forefront in agricultural activities,” he said.
The governor issued a stern warning to those responsible for the theft, stating that the government would take decisive action against anyone caught in the act. He also expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and people of the area for their cooperation in ensuring the farm’s success.
