Three farmers have reportedly been killed in Ondo State by persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
The farmers were said to have been killed by the herders in a forest within the Ijugbere axis of Owo Local Government Area on Saturday evening.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident was confirmed by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Agriculture, Akin Olotu
While describing the killing as unfortunate, Olotu said;
Yes, it’s true, three people were killed, the place is becoming like Zamfara. Those accusing the governor of ordering illegal occupants of the forest to vacate the place, I think they should be charged as accomplices.
Those blaming Governor Akeredolu for saying the illegal occupants should vacate the forest should bury their heads in shame.
It obvious these bandits are ready for war. That’s why the governor said if you are a cattle rearer, let us know you, disclose your identity. Let us know where you come from, let us know who own your cattle. It’s so sad.
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This comes two days after a clash between the operatives of Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and armed herders in the same LGA, which led to the death of two villagers.
Last month, Akeredolu, governor of the state, issued a seven-day quit notice to the herdsmen operating illegally in the state’s forest reserves.
Apart from ejecting the herdsmen, the governor also banned underage grazing, night grazing, and movement of cattle within the cities and on highways.
Read Also: Insecurity: Gov Akeredolu Orders Herders To Vacate Ondo Forest Reserves
The governor had said;
As the chief law and security officer of the state, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the state. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued: All forest reserves in the state are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next seven days with effect from today, Monday, January 18, 2021.
The issue generated an uproar and after a meeting with different stakeholders, Akeredolu asked herdsmen to register with the government so that they can operate unhindered in the forest reserves.
