Inspite of the investigations being conducted by the Ogun State Government into the alleged killing of people and attacks on schools in Ketu Local Council Development Area of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen, more armed cattle rearers are penetrating other developing areas of the state. The areas include Magboro, Makogi, Abule Oba and Magada, all in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Last Monday, some herdsmen stormed Makogi with their cattle, brandishing knives, bow and arrows, and guns.
I saw a herdsman armed with a gun with cattle recently at about 12midnight as I was coming back from work. If the government fails to do anything, I think danger looms. They go through every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood, pretending to search for where to graze their cattle and entering people’s compounds. They should stop their nocturnal movements, because it is unreasonable
They grazed their cattle on uncompleted buildings and residences that did not have gates, creating panic among residents of the area.
The development has, therefore, made property owners in the area to call on the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration and security agencies to quickly move in to check the activities of the herdsmen in the community.
As at last week, residents of Abule Oba, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Prayer City, Magada and Onigbagbo areas had sleepless nights as they were scared by the presence of the armed suspected Fulani herdsmen in the area.
An eye witness, who said residents were scared to challenge the herdsmen, said, “We don’t want cattle in Magboro because there is no farmland here. We are living in this community with our wives and children and there are schools all around.
“So, what business do cattle have with humans? We feel uncomfortable. If they want to graze, they should go inside the bush. This is a town. We are trying as a community to repair our roads and they want to compound the problem; that will not happen. The government should stop their activities here. If we want to buy cows, we know where to get them.”
Another eyeswitness, who is also a member of the Magboro Community Development Association but pleaded anonymity, said, “I saw a herdsman armed with a gun with cattle recently at about 12midnight as I was coming back from work. If the government fails to do anything, I think danger looms.
“They go through every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood, pretending to search for where to graze their cattle and entering people’s compounds. They should stop their nocturnal movements, because it is unreasonable. These are difficult times and people are scared. If they want to feed their cows, they should go to the expressway. They should not be entering into people’s houses.”
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, denied the presence of the herdsmen in the areas.
Oyeyemi, an assistant superintendent of police, advised the residents to report at the nearest police station anyone suspected of illegally carrying weapons in the area.
