A farmer in Benue State, Nigeria, has been extorted by suspected bandits who are demanding a 500,000 Naira ransom before allowing him to harvest his crops. The incident occurred in the Mbagena Council Ward of Kastina-Ala Local Government Area, an area reportedly experiencing increased bandit activity. Residents claim the bandits are systematically terrorizing the community and imposing financial demands on locals. The farmer’s identity has not been released to protect them from further harm. This case highlights the growing insecurity faced by farmers in Nigeria, threatening food security and livelihoods. Authorities have yet to comment on the specifics of this incident, but the report underscores the urgent need to address banditry in the region. The story emerged from a report in Vanguard News.