“This is so bad”, Timaya calls on Tinubu “to do something”

Nigerian Afrobeat singer Timaya has publicly expressed his concern over the destruction of farmlands in his home state of Bayelsa, attributing the damage to cattle grazing by herdsmen. On March 18, 2025, the artist took to his X account to urge the government to intervene in the farmer-herder dispute in the state. He wrote “Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in BAYELSA, Aboki take your cow inside and feed them.. This is so sad…”

Reports have it that the issue of herdsmen encroaching on farmlands in Bayelsa is not new. In 2016, indigenes and farmers of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area reported significant crop losses due to cattle grazing. King Bubraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, cried out on the gravity of the situation, stating that the destruction of crops by cattle could lead to clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

In response to these challenges, the Bayelsa State Government enacted an anti-open grazing law in 2021 to prevent the invasion of farmlands and maintain security. However, despite the law, enforcement has been inconsistent, leading to ongoing tensions between herders and local farmers.

To address the recurring conflicts, the Bayelsa State Government allocated 1,200 hectares of land for cattle ranching and grazing in 2017. This initiative aimed to control indiscriminate grazing and foster peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. Mr. Shitu Mohammed, Chairman of the Cattle Ranches Management and Control Committee, commended the government’s efforts, noting that the provision of grazing areas would help sustain lasting peace in the state.

Despite these measures, recent reports show that herdsmen continue to encroach on farmlands, leading to the destruction of crops and increased tensions. The Bayelsa State Elders Forum has expressed concern over the threat posed by herders to the well-being of farmers. In response, Governor Douye Diri restated the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, emphasizing that no herder should be allowed to destroy farmlands.

Timaya’s plea has caused a diverse array of reactions on social media. While some users supported his call for action, others criticized his use of the term “Aboki,” a Hausa word for “friend,” suggesting it was misapplied in this context. One user commented, “Using ethnic slur unfortunate. All ‘Aboki’ r not herdsmen, Fulani more apt.”