National Leader of APC Bola Tinubu has accused killer herdsmen and Boko Haram of plotting to destroy Nigeria by attacking farmers.

“Terrible people and strong forces want to break Nigeria’s appointment with its greater destiny. These people have unleashed terror and violent criminality against us,” Mr Tinubu claimed in a veiled reference to killer herders.

According to Punch, the APC chieftain stated this at the 23rd-25th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. 

Mr Tinubu, an ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, added, “We approach a defining moment as a nation. 

“A reckoning of special importance beckons. We must decide whether to give the truest meaning to our national motto, ‘peace and unity,’ or we allow the agents of destruction and merchants of violence to have their way with us.”

He further warned that the attacks on farmers across the country would cause a hike in food prices, adding that the country must launch programmes to expand food production.

Mr Tinubu also asked the government at both federal and state-level to consider subsidising the restart of agricultural activity interrupted by terror and criminality.

The politician’s concern contrasts that of Mr Buhari, who, according to Femi Adesina, the president’s media aide, ignore Nigerians’ public outcry as “kick like a dying horse” and “murmur like a ghost.”

Mr Buhari has refused to condemn the communications minister Isa Pantami’s links to terrorist organisations, despite public outrage. Rather than abate, wanton violence has festered under Mr Buhari’s regime.

Peoples Gazette in November reported that terrorists beheaded at least 43 rice farmers on their farms in Borno. Subsequent reports indicated that the death toll was around 110. 

In defence of Mr Buhari’s regime, his media aide, Garba Shehu, said the slain farmers should have obtained military clearance before farming in the area.

In the South-West, wanton violence forced Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s hand to decree an eviction notice to herders in Ondo’s forest reserves.