A rice farm in Gwer West Local Government Area, Benue State, was reportedly set on fire on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by suspected herdsmen, resulting in extensive damage.

The farm, owned by Mr. Ugbakayaa, is located at Tse Orbiam along the Naka–Makurdi road. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire quickly engulfed several hectares of cultivated land, destroying both standing crops and harvested rice packed for threshing.

According to Mr. Ado Bartholomew, an eyewitness, the blaze spread rapidly.

“The whole farm went up in flames within minutes. All the rice that was harvested and packed for threshing was destroyed,” he said, describing the incident as a devastating loss for the Ugbakayaa family.

The family, whose livelihood depends largely on rice farming, was left shocked and devastated by the destruction.

Residents and sympathizers who visited the scene condemned the recurring attacks on farmers in the area, highlighting the growing insecurity that has disrupted agriculture across Benue State.

They urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect farmers in Gwer West and other vulnerable communities, many of whom have faced persistent attacks and displacement linked to armed herdsmen.

As of this report, security operatives had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.