Ogun govt probes alleged attack on farmers by soldiers

The Ogun State government on Saturday pledged to probe the alleged flogging of some residents of Yewa South Local Government Area by soldiers at the prompting of herdsmen.

Senator Tolu Odebiyi who represents the area also demanded action from the federal and state governments as well as the military and police authorities on the matter.

Soldiers believed to be from the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, allegedly escorted herdsmen to the area after the residents resisted an attempt by the herders to graze their cattle in the community.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State Governor, Kunle Somorin, said in Abeokuta that government was investigating the matter.

He said anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.

In a separate statement, Senator Odebiyi  asked the Federal Government, military, and the police authorities to probe the alleged harassment of his constituents by soldiers and herdsmen.

Odebiyi’s media office, in a statement on Saturday, said: “It is morally wrong to allow herders to graze on people’s farms unchecked, to the point that law-abiding citizens are rendered hapless.

“This sends a dangerous sign, in addition to undermining the credibility of the government.”

He asked the Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, to urgently look into the matter. (The Nation)