By Njoh Linda
A small-scale livestock farmer at Pinyin Quarter in Bamenda II Subdivision is counting heavy losses after thieves reportedly made away with 21 of her rabbits in three separate robberies over the past days.
According to the farm owner, the latest theft incident occured on the night of February 11, when six rabbits were stolen from her enclosure—four were pregnant.
The repeated thefts have dealt a major blow to her small ruminant farming activity, which serves as her main source of livelihood.
In a shaky tone, the distressed farmer said the series of robberies has left her struggling to recover financially, as the stolen animals represented months of investment and expected income.
“I have worked so hard to build this farm. Losing 21 rabbits like this is very painful, especially the pregnant ones that would have increased my stock,” she said.
In response to the incidents, the farmer has issued a three-day ultimatum to the suspected thieves, urging them to return the stolen rabbits voluntarily. She warned that failure to do so would force her to act.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in Bamenda and other parts of the North West Region, where insecurity and economic hardship continue to affect livelihoods.