Armed herdsmen planning attacks on major towns in Yewaland– Olu of Ilaro

The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, on Saturday raised the alarm that armed herdsmen have mapped out major towns in Yewaland (Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State) for deadly attacks on the indigenes and residents.

Oba Olugbenle said the alarm had become necessary to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Dapo Abiodun and all security agencies in the state to the “continued siege” on Yewaland by armed herders.

The monarch in a release sighted by Franktalknow, lamented that the alleged criminal and murderous activities of armed herdsmen have led to loss of lives, outright slaughtering of people, maiming and destruction of property in Yewaland by the herders.

He appealed to President Buhari, Governor Abiodun and the security agencies to wake  up as a matter of “extreme urgency” to their constitutional duties of securing lives and property by coming quickly to their help, protection and defence from killer – herdsmen.

He listed seven communities of Egua, Oja – Odan, Igan Alade, Gbokoto, Ijoun, Owode – Ketu, Ebute Igbooro, Imeko Afon and other places in Yewaland where the armed herdsmen and bandits had deadly attacks on the villagers and residents in the last couple of weeks.

According to him, a  “stich in time, saves nine.”

Franktalknow learnt that no fewer than seven persons, including four persons allegedly killed on  Friday night, have been hacked to death by persons suspected to be criminal herdsmen.

The Baale of Igbooro, Abidemi Akorede, who confirmed the Friday night attack, said he had counted three corpses as of noon time on Saturday.

Also,  a member of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Wahab Egungbohun who had continued to lament over the incessant killing of his people, grieved that the alleged the activities of criminal herders appeared to have picked with the leadership of President Muhammad Buhari.

He said: “On Thursday, some communities in Yewa North, that included Owode Ketu, Ijoun, Eggua, Igan-Alade, Tata were reportedly laid ambush by the herdsmen and killed two villagers”.

“On Friday night again, heavily armed men entered Orile-Igbooro village in Yewa North and no fewer than four villagers were killed, some houses were also burnt down, while  many people were left with varying degrees of injuries.

“It is clear that these herdsmen are behind the attacks.

Ketu Constituency II has often witnessed violence attack stemming from disputes between the herdsmen and the farmers.

“Security is said to be a right of every citizen  but reversed is the case in Ketu. We are not treated with fairness. Our farmers can’t go to farm, we can’t sleep with eyes closed. The Governor should empower other security agencies now.

“The NSCDC Agro Rangers are not adequately empowered to comb forest in Ogun State. Agony is seriously in our land as my people are being killed everyday. Amotekun should not be delayed further. Mr Governor should commission the security outfit now.

“It is sad that no single herder has been arrested since security agencies have been fighting insecurity in my Constituency.

“It is sad that our people in villages in this axis can’t sleep since last night. villagers are now outside burning fire and ready to defend their village. The Executive Governor should act now.

“These had been happening for years and we’ve been shouting about this for long. Since we have been reporting this issue, how many Fulani herdsmen have been arrested by Police? Why is it difficult for our government to address this issue for ones and find lasting solutions to it.”