Ex-President Obasanjo’s farm set on fire in Benue

Farm belonging to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been set on fire in Benue State.

Obasanjo has mango plantation on expanse of land situated at Howe community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State which was reportedly set on fire around 2.00pm on Saturday.

The mango plantation occupies about 140 hectares of land.

It wasn’t confirmed those behind the setting of plantation on fire as there are conflicting reports with some saying it was hoodlums, while others said the locals did it as a result of disagreements.

A source said, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo hasn’t paid compensation for the land that originally belonged to the State government.

Confirming the indigent, the Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ortsega, said it was deliberate sabotage by hoodlums. He said: “the fire on the 139 hectares farm started at about 2 pm on Saturday by hoodlums and nearly half of it is gone. It was clearly a sabotage.

“It was strange that there was fire outbreak in the farm because the farm was properly safeguarded, so it was obvious that it was sabotage.

“We summoned a meeting of stakeholders and leaders over the matter in order to fish out the perpetrators and by the grace of God we have already apprehended four persons and investigation is still ongoing to fish out more culprits.