By Ralph Omololu Agbana
The Yagba Action Group (YAG), a non-partisan non-profit based in Kogi State, has expressed frustration over the lack of government response following the abduction of prominent livestock farmer, Chief Ajayi Bello. The 72-year-old, who is Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, was kidnapped from his farm in Ponyan, Yagba East Local Government Area, nearly two weeks ago.
Bello, a retired executive of Guinness Nigeria Plc, had returned to his hometown after retirement to establish a thriving livestock business, reportedly employing around 200 casual workers. His poultry enterprise serves clients in Kogi and neighbouring states including Kwara, Ekiti, and Ondo. His abduction has triggered widespread concern across Nigeria’s agricultural community.
In a statement issued Monday, June 30, 2025, and signed by YAG Chairman, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja, the group accused both federal and state governments of systemic failure. “Nigerians simply want to live and work in safety. Government’s inability to provide that basic security is inexcusable,” the group declared.
YAG described the situation as part of a “systematic and well-organized plan by Fulani interests, allegedly funded by anonymous backers, to displace the Yagba and Okun people from their ancestral land.” The group decried the prolonged captivity of Chief Bello—who is reportedly diabetic and suffering from prostate complications—as cruel and inhumane.
YAG criticized what it called the “shocking inertia” of the Kogi State government, urging Governor Usman Ododo and relevant authorities to break their silence and take immediate steps toward securing Bello’s release. “The continued silence is unacceptable. The government must act swiftly before this case becomes yet another tragic statistic,” the group warned.
They further noted that the absence of official statements from the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture, the Federal Minister of Agriculture, and bodies such as the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Livestock Farmers’ Associations is demoralizing to farmers across the region.
Echoing these concerns, veteran journalist and fellow Yagba farmer, Dayo Thomas, issued a public statement titled “Community in Crisis: Why Kidnapped Farmer, Chief Ajayi Bello Needs National Attention,” which has gained traction on social media.
“Chief Bello’s abduction isn’t just a local matter—it has national implications,” Thomas wrote. “His safety directly impacts the confidence of farmers and investors alike. When farming communities like Ponyan live in fear, how can we hope to solve the problem of food insecurity?”
Thomas urged government at all levels to prioritize rural security and to develop concrete plans to address the recurring issue of farmer abductions and crop destruction. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy. If we can’t protect them, we risk collapsing the very foundation of our food system,” he stated.
He concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to demand more proactive measures from the government. “Chief Bello’s case should serve as a wake-up call. The security of our farms is the security of our nation,” Thomas emphasized.
As Bello remains in captivity with no visible effort yet from authorities to rescue him, YAG and other concerned voices continue to amplify their demand: urgent action is needed now to safeguard farmers and preserve Nigeria’s agricultural future.
