The Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has initiated the development of a 200-hectare smart farm estate in Amurri community, designed to address security concerns and enhance agricultural productivity in the region as a result of the menace of Fulani herdsmen’s invasion in the area.
Hon. Ogbodo, speaking during an inspection of the ongoing work, stated that the farm estate would serve multiple purposes: enhancing food security, creating jobs for youth, and displacing Fulani herdsmen who currently occupy the area.
“We are trying to use that place to clear the Fulani herdsmen from that place,” Ogbodo said, pointing out the presence of huts and makeshift shelters belonging to the herdsmen in the targeted area.
The chairman noted that 13 other farm estates are also under simultaneous development in the remaining wards of Nkanu West LGA, with each farm intended to benefit the specific ward in which it is located.
He emphasised that the initiative stemmed from a direct request by the Amurri community, who identified and offered the site for the farm development.
“The Amurri people invited me and showed me that place, which is where they want their farm estate to be, and I mobilised to the site,” Ogbodo said.
According to him, consultations were held with the traditional ruler of Umuigbo and other local leaders, all of whom supported the project’s location and purpose.
“I told them the importance of this farm estate, and they were happy,” he added.
Ogbodo also addressed concerns over property damage, assuring the community that compensation would be paid for any crops affected during land-clearing operations.
“I assured them the government would pay compensation for any crop destroyed during the course of clearing the forest,” he said.
In response to reports of protest and opposition, the chairman dismissed the claims, labelling them as attempts by “land grabbers”.
“Anyone protesting against the Amurri community smart farm in its current location is a land grabber,” he stated.
