The Agbekoya Society of Nigeria (ASN) has threatened to take action against gunmen operating in the South-West geopolitical zone following the killing of three farmers in Oyo State.
The group spoke in reaction to the recent attack in Igboho, Orelope Local Government Area of the state, where three farmers were reportedly murdered.
Agbekoya’s stance was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan and made available to journalists by its Secretary General, Adegbenro Ogunlana. The statement was signed by the President General of the group, Kamorudeen Okikiola.
Expressing shock and outrage over the incident, the organisation warned that it would no longer keep silent amid recurring attacks on farmers within the region.
The group recalled that a Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, had earlier raised the alarm over the attack in his hometown, identifying the victims as Aderoju Mukaila, Olawuwo Saka and Ojeniyi Ojebayo.
Igboho had also called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently tackle what he described as worsening insecurity in rural communities across Oyo State and the wider South-West.
In the statement, Agbekoya urged the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to safeguard farmers and their livelihoods, warning that failure to act would attract severe consequences.
“We urge the authorities to take urgent measures to protect farmers and ensure their safety. Failure to do so will be met with severe consequences, and Agbekoya will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend its members and communities,” the statement read.
The group condemned the killings, describing them as a heinous act of violence, and called on the Oyo State and Federal Governments to take immediate action to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The senseless killing of these innocent farmers is unacceptable and highlights the escalating insecurity in our communities,” it added.
Agbekoya further demanded an immediate investigation into the incident and the prosecution of those responsible, while also urging the government to strengthen security measures for farmers and rural communities and provide adequate support for the families of the victims.
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