A farmer identified as Yakubu Bitrus has reportedly lost one of his hands after he was allegedly attacked by a group of Fulani herders in Agingi community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bitrus, who spoke from a hospital where he was receiving treatment, said the incident occurred after he declined a request from a young herder to help rescue a cow that had fallen into a ditch.

According to the farmer, he was working on his farm with two women when the herder approached them during a break and asked them to help lift the animal. Bitrus said he explained that he was the only man among the group and advised the herder to seek help from other farmers nearby.

He alleged that the herder became hostile, insulted him and chased him with a stick and a cutlass after rejecting the suggestion. Bitrus said he noticed another person hiding nearby and decided to retreat with the women to avoid a confrontation.

He later returned to the area with other people to help rescue the cow, but said neither the animal nor the herders could be found. He alleged that the herders had concealed themselves and continued to monitor him and the two women.

Bitrus said the attack occurred later in the day as they were returning home from the farm. He said his wife briefly left the road to gather firewood while he remained behind with another woman.

He said he soon heard his wife screaming and rushed to the scene, where he allegedly found her being assaulted and struck on the head.

Bitrus said he confronted the attackers with a piece of wood in an attempt to protect his wife and escape. He alleged that the confrontation initially involved sticks before additional herders emerged from the bush and joined the assault.

According to him, one of the attackers used a machete to sever his hand during the struggle before the group fled into the bush. Bitrus was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.