Ondo communities give ‘killer herders’ 21 days to quit



Four communities in Ose local government area of Ondo state; Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo have issued 21 days to Fulani herdsmen to vacate their farmlands or be ready for confrontation.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the Alani of Idoani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye; Onidogun, Oba Moses Bakare; Onimeri, Oba Babatunde Adeniran; and Alafo, Oba Adegoke Egunjobi, the royal fathers said their people could no longer tolerate the spate of kidnapping, killing and raping of their wives and daughters by the herders.

The royal fathers further expressed worry over the possibility of violent clashes and reprisals between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen following the incessant destruction of cash crops by the herders, adding that the ultimatum remained the last option to avoid breakdown of law and order as the Fulani had rebuffed all entreaties to conduct themselves within the confines of the law.

The five-paragraph communiqué adopted by the monarchs said the fear of frequent unprovoked attacks by the Fulani had forced many farmers to abandon their means of livelihood, leading to economic meltdown in the area as the farmers could no longer meet their daily obligations, while many in the process lost their dear lives.

Describing as an affront to Yoruba race, the disturbing news that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACABAN) had set up a vigilante group in the state, the royal fathers vowed not to allow any part of the areas to be used for Ruga in whatever guise.

They, therefore, called on the residents of the areas to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the law enforcement agencies for appropriate action, to ensure peace and order “without taking laws into their hands”.

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