By Cross Udo, Abuja

Plateau State has recorded 176 casualties from 26 attacks in the last three months, a research expert from Nextier has revealed.

Nextier also said that the state has been grappling with an increasing threat of armed attacks, particularly in its rural areas, and that the aftermath of the bloodbaths continues to haunt communities, leaving them in constant fear and instability.

This was contained in the Nextier Violent Conflict Database yesterday authored by Ndidi Anyanwu, a Policy and Research Consultant with the organisation.

According to her, “In the last three months (May-July 2023), the Nextier Violent Conflict Database recorded 178 casualties (deaths and injuries) resulting from 26 incidents in the state.”

*Says rural women are most vulnerable

She said that Plateau State has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and that the attacks, carried out by bandits and militant groups, have intensified in frequency and intensity in recent months, leading to the loss of lives and significant socio-economic and humanitarian implications for the affected population.

The report stated that “These attacks, especially in farming communities, have devastated the livelihoods of farmers and their families. Communities in Mangu, Riyom, Bokkos, and Barakin-Ladi have witnessed these armed assailants’ destruction of farms and properties.

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“Rural women, especially those engaged in agricultural activities, are among the most vulnerable groups affected by these attacks. Apart from physical harm, these attacks have far-reaching psychological and socio-economic consequences for women and their communities.

“Lives have been lost, properties destroyed, and farm products ravaged, pushing many residents to the brink of extreme vulnerability. This edition of Nextier Policy Weekly delves into the impact these violent attacks have had on women in Plateau State and the broader implications on food security and stability in the region.”

On women’s struggle in conflict-ridden fields, it said, “As the trend of feminisation in agriculture gains traction, women have taken on an increasingly significant role in farming and producing food for their households.

“With men leaving their homes and communities searching for job opportunities through outmigration, the responsibility of sustaining agricultural activities and ensuring food production falls heavily on women. While women’s contributions to agriculture are invaluable, it also exposes them to heightened vulnerabilities, including:

“Loss of livelihood: Agriculture forms the backbone of the rural economy in Plateau State. The ongoing violence has brought this vital sector to its knees, with attacks on farmlands, destruction of crops, and disruption of agricultural infrastructure.

“For instance, over 300 hectares of land were reportedly destroyed within two weeks in Barakin-Ladi and Riyom. As a result, communities face the harrowing reality of diminished agricultural output, struggling to meet the escalating demand for food and a troubling surge in food prices.

“For rural women who heavily rely on farming as their primary source of income, these losses lead to a sharp decline in their livelihood opportunities. The destruction of farmlands and agricultural assets leaves women unable to harvest and sell their produce, resulting in a significant loss of income and financial stability for their households.”

The report also delved into displacement and housing instability, noting that armed attacks often trigger mass displacement, forcing rural communities, including women and their families, to flee their homes for safety.

It further explained that displacement results in housing uncertainty, creating significant challenges for women to continue their agricultural activities and maintain their livelihoods.

“Prolonged displacement resulting from these conflicts poses severe consequences as families face immense challenges in finding safety and rebuilding their lives.

“The destruction of homes and infrastructure disrupt their livelihoods, making it difficult for them to return to normalcy. Many families may have been displaced multiple times for safety, increasing vulnerability and instability,” it submitted.

Anyanwu in the report added that displaced women often find themselves in overcrowded and inadequate living conditions, further compromising their well-being, stressing that, “Housing instability and inadequate living conditions create a vicious cycle of vulnerability for displaced rural women.”

She said the loss of their livelihoods and the challenges of finding secure housing hampers their ability to rebuild their lives and exacerbate their overall hardship.

*Widows take on new roles in agriculture, child-rearing, and household chores

The report noted that this ugly development leads to increased responsibilities.

It said, “Women often shoulder increased responsibilities within their households and the wider community in conflict-affected areas. With men being killed, injured, or forced to flee, women are compelled to take on new roles and responsibilities in agriculture, child-rearing, and household chores. As of 2013, reports indicated that the state had approximately 10,000 widowed women who had lost their primary providers due to the protracted violence in the state.

“Without male labour, women become the primary farm workforce, sustaining agricultural activities and food security for their families. The lack of support structures and resources further exacerbates their emotional strain, making it challenging for them to cope with the demands of taking care of the home. The consequences of such burdens on rural women can have far-reaching effects on their overall health and productivity.”

On mental health issues, it said living amidst armed conflict exposes rural women to continuous stress, fear, and trauma.

“The cumulative impact of such experiences can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The lack of psychosocial support services in conflict zones adds to their emotional burden, leaving them with few resources to cope with the psychological toll of the violence they witness and endure.

“The lack of proper shelter, sanitation, and essential amenities leaves them vulnerable to health risks and exposure to the elements. The stress and anxiety associated with living in such conditions can also harm their mental health,” it stated.

It noted that gender-based inequalities remain a significant challenge for women, particularly in their efforts to own or access land.