Police, Other Top Security Chiefs Vow To Stop Herdsmen From Destroying Farmlands In Ogun.

Frequent cases of violent clash between indigenous farmers and Fulani herdsmen may soon be a thing of the past in Ogun State, if the Police and other security top shots live up to their billing and fully implement the decisions reached at a key stakeholders meeting on Thursday in Ayetoro.

The Stakeholders parley which held at the palace of the Olu of Ayetoro had in attendance a coterie of other prominent monarchs and Heads of the Police, Army, the Directorate of State Security(DSS) as well as representatives of the Fulani and Yoruba communities. 

The meeting was a swift response by security operatives to curtail three days unending reprisal attacks on Fulani settlements in parts of Yewa land

A press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said the Command was determined to adopt a strategy which would curtail the frequent crises from its root, even as he warned that attacks on herdsmen settlements in the state would also no longer be tolerated.

The PPRO's statement read in part: " The Command notes with sadness that some herdsmen settlements affected have been in existence in the area for many years, in some cases over 20 years, some of whom were born and brought up here and speak Yoruba language with proverbs fluently...

"However, it is also advisable that herdsmen should avoid destructions of farmlands, which has been identified as the reason behind their unending disharmony and clashes with farmers and host communities.

"The Command also calls on both farmers and herdsmen, indeed the entire Yoruba and Fulani communities in Yewa area and across the State, to fish out criminals who are perpetually creating tension amongst them, thus undermining their long and cherished history of peaceful coexistence. 

"It is however, gratifying to note that at the stakeholders meeting yesterday, Thursday 4th February, 2021, wanton destruction of farmlands by cattle, kidnapping and raping of women as well as reprisal attacks on Fulani settlements were unanimously condemned as criminal and unacceptable, irrespective of the status, tribe or nationality of the perpetrators

The Command cautioned that it is unlawful, indeed unconstitutional, to deny fellow Nigerians the right to live in any part of the country and pursue their legitimate businesses, including cattle rearing. 

Meanwhile, the Command has arrested some suspects in connection with the recent incidents, and vowed to make example of them to serve as deterrent to others.

He said kingpins, procurers and counsellors of these hoodlums will also be fished out to face the law.

The Command therefore enjoins all the good people of Ogun State to join hands with security agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence amongst all Nigerians living in the State. 

In the same vein, all the security agencies, have resolved to deal decisively with miscreants and brigands alike, who are bent on fomenting trouble in the State. 

Parents are therefore advised to call their wards to order, as anyone caught fomenting trouble in any part of the State will be dealt with decisively