Chairman of the Gwer LGA, Emmanuel Otserga, confirmed the incident, adding that over half of the mango farm covering over 139 hectres of land got razed.
Obasanjo Farms located in Howe, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, has been gutted by fire.
Chairman of the Gwer LGA, Emmanuel Otserga, confirmed the incident, adding that over half of the mango farm covering over 139 hectres of land got razed.
He said, “About 2:00pm 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 also added that a meeting with all stakeholders in the area including traditional rulers was summoned to investigate and unravel those behind the act, disclosing that four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Director of Benue State Fire Service, Mr Donald Ikyaaza, who confirmed the fire incident, said as soon as the news of the fire incident reached him, he deployed his men to the area to put out the fire and prevent it from causing further damage.
Ikyaaza also attributed the cause of the fire to alleged sabotage.
Police spokesperson in the state, Cathrine Anene, also confirmed the incident but said she was not sure if any arrest had been made so far.