‘Strange herdsmen have invaded our communities’

Traditional rulers in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on security agencies to step up security in villages in the locality over influx of what they termed strange herdsmen.

Last month, Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye said several herders were chased to neighbouring states after eight persons were killed in attack on three communities.

The traditional rulers, in a Save our Soul message to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, after a stakeholders meeting, said there was a spike in attack on farmers,  kidnapping, rape and the destruction of farmlands.

They said activities of the strange herdsmen have been hindering preparation for the new planting season

In the communique signed by four traditional rulers in the area, Olute of Ute, Oba Oluwole Akinrongbe, Olumoru of Imoru, Oba ‘Rotimi Obamuwagun,  Arujale Ojima of Okeluse, Oba Oloyede Akinghare and  Odibiado of Ijagba, Oba Andrew Okioya, the traditional ruler said farmers who were supposed to mobilize for the new farming season have been driven from their farms by heavily armed miscreants.

The royal fathers called on the state government,  security agencies to take urgent steps to stop unprovoked attacks on towns, villages and settlements in the area.

According to the communique, “The emerging insecurity in the area, if not tackled with increased efforts, could result in famine in the state.

“That the rate, level and degree of unprovoked attacks on towns,  villages and settlements in the southern part of Ose Local Government Area are very scary and highly embarrassing.

“This perennial/incessant attacks usually leaves in its wake massive destruction of lives, properties, arson, rapes of married women, teenagers, underage, Kidnaping, murder etc.”

(Nation)