In a violent confrontation, Fulani herdsmen attacked personnel of the South West Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, in Ondo State.
The incident occurred while the officers were enforcing the state’s anti-open grazing law to protect a tomato farm that had been overrun by cows.
The attack took place in the Sango area of Igoba, along Ado-Ekiti Road in Akure North Local Government Area.
Responding to numerous complaints from local farmers, the Amotekun Corps surveillance team from its headquarters visited the affected farm. They found over one hundred and twenty cows destroying crops with no herdsmen in sight.
As the Amotekun officers moved the cows out of the farms, they were ambushed by groups of armed Fulani herdsmen near the Sango area of Igoba. The attackers used stones, bottles, cutlasses, and guns against the officers.
This information was detailed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Jimoh Adeniken, and made available to newsmen in Akure.
“Following persistent complaints from farmers in the Igoba and Osi areas of Akure North Local Government since May 6, 2024, the Amotekun Corps from the headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, responded on July 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM,” the statement read.
“During the operation, our surveillance team, guided by the farm owners, discovered over one hundred and twenty cows causing damage without any herdsmen present. Determined to enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law, our operatives moved the cows out. However, while passing through Sango area, they were attacked by armed Fulani herdsmen,” it continued.
The statement further explained that the Amotekun Corps initially retreated based on orders from their headquarters. Despite this, the assailants persisted, throwing stones and bottles, and eventually attacking one officer into a coma while attempting to disarm the corps.
The Amotekun officers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the attackers and returned to their office. Several officers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The statement also noted that the owner of the cows has been identified, and an investigation is underway.
It is worth recalling that the Ondo State government enacted the Anti-Grazing Bill into law on August 31, 2021. This decision, aligned with the Southern Governors’ Forum’s resolution, aims to prevent conflicts and protect the peaceful disposition of the state’s residents.
“The government will continue to ensure strict compliance with the anti-grazing law through lawful means, safeguarding farmers’ efforts from destruction by herders and their cows,” the statement assured. “Amotekun Corps will persist in its legal duty to protect the people and their properties in Ondo State.”
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