FULANI EVICTION: HERDERS' LEADERS APOLOGIZE AS COMMUNITY CLAIMS THAT OVER N50 MILLION HAVE BEEN PAID TO SECURE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED VICTIMS

Jan 25, 2021

FULANI EVICTION: HERDERS' LEADERS APOLOGIZE AS COMMUNITY CLAIMS THAT OVER N50 MILLION HAVE BEEN PAID TO SECURE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED VICTIMS

The Igangan community in Oyo State has alleged that over N50 million have been paid to notorious Fulani herdsmen to secure the release of abducted indigenes.

Lawal Akeem, Secretary of Igangan Development Advocates, stated this on Sunday, 24th January, 2021, during an assessment visit by a delegation of Oyo State Government officials and the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, to trouble spots of Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of the state.

Akeem said that the people were tired of the notorious act of the Seriki Fulani, Alhaji Saliu Abdukadir, whom he accused of complicity in different cases involving regular vandalism of farms and raping women of the community.

Corroborating the claim of the Secretary, another youth in the town, Taiwo Adeagbo, said that no fewer than 15 women have been raped in recent weeks.

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Hon. Peter Ojedokun, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, also told the delegation that Ibarapa land had been peaceful all the while but that the peace was affected recently when Fulani herders started attacking members of the community on their farms, kidnapping persons and committing crimes.

Hon. Okediji Samuel Olusegun, Caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa North-West Local Council Development Area, also corroborated the allegations leveled against the Seriki Fulani of Igangan, saying that the Seriki has been fingered in the series of security challenges in the area.

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Two Fulani leaders, the Seriki Fulani of Igbo Ora, Alhaji Idris Abubakar, and the Seriki Fulani of Eruwa, Alhaji Sule Mohammed, asked for forgiveness from those offended, adding that they are ready to facilitate a peaceful coexistence in Ibarapa land.

Fatai Owoseni, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security and Commissioner of Police (rtd), who led the government's delegation also appealed to community leaders, youths and Hausa-Fulani residents to eschew violence and live in peace.

The Commissioner of Police, who led senior Police officers including Deputy Commissioners of Police and Mobile Police Commanders on a tour of Igangan, Tede and Ago Are communities sued for peace, while also declaring the readiness of the Police to embark on a thorough investigation to ensure justice for victims of kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and other crimes.

Speaking at Igangan, retired Commissioner of Police, Owoseni, said that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is working tirelessly to uncover criminal elements in the state.

He also noted that 51 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping and other crimes committed in Oke Ogun and Ibarapa areas are already in Police net.

Addressing the gathering of traditional rulers, government officials and Fulani leaders in Igangan, the Commissioner of Police, Onadeko appealed to everyone to be calm and also reiterated the commitment of the force to ensure that peace is restored in the area.