Obasanjo’s farm in Howe, Gwer Local Government Area, Benue State, was destroyed by fire.

Emmanuel Otserga, Chairman of the Gwer Local Government Area, acknowledged the tragedy, stating that over half of the mango farm, comprising over 139 hectares of land, was destroyed.

The chairman said, “About 2:00 pm of Saturday we received a report that the Obasanjo Mango Farm located at Howe was on fire and I quickly informed all stakeholders including traditional rulers and we swiftly moved there even the Fire Service also came but by the time we will put out the fire, over half of the farm was already razed.

“However, from the look of things, the fire was caused by the deliberate act of mischief makers, because the way that farm is safeguarded, there is no way fire can cross over from any quarter into the farm.”

The chairman further stated that a conference with all stakeholders in the area, including traditional rulers, has been called to investigate and uncover those responsible for the act, and that four people have been arrested in connection with it.

Mr. Donald Ikyaaza, Director of Benue State Fire Service, verified the fire occurrence and stated that as soon as the news of the fire incident reached him, he dispatched his men to the location to put out the fire and prevent it from inflicting additional damage.

Ikyaaza also claimed that the fire was started by sabotage.

Cathrine Anene, the police spokesperson in the state, acknowledged the event but said she wasn’t sure if any arrests had been made thus far.