Afrobeats Star Timaya Raises Alarm Over Farmland Destruction in Bayelsa
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Timaya has voiced deep concern over the destruction of farmlands in his home state, Bayelsa, allegedly caused by herders. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page, the music star called on the government to urgently intervene in the escalating crisis that threatens local agriculture and livelihoods.
Timaya expressed his sorrow over the loss of valuable farmlands and urged herders to adopt more sustainable and modern cattle-rearing methods, such as ranching, rather than open grazing. In his post, he lamented the situation, writing:
“Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in Bayelsa. Aboki, take your cow inside and feed them. This is so sad.”
His statement has since sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with netizens expressing mixed opinions. While many supported his call for government intervention, others criticized his use of the term “Aboki,” arguing that it was an ethnic slur.
Twitter user @uchebakaadi remarked: “Using ethnic slur unfortunate. All ‘Aboki’ r not herdsmen, Fulani more apt. No ethic has monopoly of slurs. Fulani tagged today replaced Ndigbo in ethnic abuse stakes. Soon it will b urs. As a celeb u ought to do beta. PHD (Pull Him/Her Down) that we practice means none advance.”
Another user, @brainzcode, questioned Timaya’s stance, pointing out perceived hypocrisy: “But them call you for show you go dey sing
for them senior man, how e be now? When they come for others, you go keep quiet, but now e don come your doorstep. E no Dey sweet you again abi?”
Some users highlighted the broader plight of the Niger Delta region, which has long suffered from environmental degradation and economic hardship. @justtooblunt stated: “Niger-Delta has seen it all. They have been robbed of everything.” Meanwhile, @Ikopima09 expressed fears about the legal repercussions of self-defense, saying: “If you try to defend yourself or your farmland they’ll sentence you to life imprisonment.”
The issue of open grazing has been a long-standing debate in Nigeria, with many states, including Bayelsa, pushing for policies to regulate the movement of cattle to prevent clashes between farmers and herders. While some states have enacted anti-open grazing laws, enforcement remains a challenge.
Timaya’s outcry adds to growing calls for the government to take decisive action to protect farmlands and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether authorities will heed his call and implement measures to curb the destruction of farmlands in Bayelsa and beyond.
