In the Howe community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, suspected hoodlums razed a mango plantation reportedly owned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to reports, the 140-hectare farm was set ablaze as a result of possible disagreements with locals over compensation for land that was once owned by the state government.
On Saturday afternoon, the incident occurred.
Emmanuel Ortserga, the Chairman of the Gwer East Local Government, who confirmed the incident, said the fire was set deliberately by hoodlums.
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According to Ortserga, four people have been arrested in connection with the fire, and investigators are still looking for more suspects.
“The hoodlums started the fire on the 139-hectare farm around 2 p.m. on Saturday, and nearly half of it is gone,” he said. It was obviously a sabotage attempt.
“It was strange that a fire broke out in the farm because it was properly secured, so it was obvious that it was sabotage.”
“We called a meeting of stakeholders and leaders to discuss the matter in order to apprehend the perpetrators, and by God’s grace, we have already apprehended four people, and the investigation is still ongoing to find more culprits.”
The incident was also confirmed by the Director of the State Fire Service, Donald Ikyaaza, and the Police Public Relations Officer, SP, Catherine Anene.