Ajimobi warns herdsmen against illegal grazing, rape

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, mediated in the constant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state.

During a town hall meeting with farmers, herdsmen and other stakeholders at the state secretariat in Ibadan, Ajimobi warned all the parties involved not to go against the law as offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

While calling on herdsmen not to graze on farmlands or attack their hosts, the governor also warned farmers not to poison crops or water with the aim of killing herdsmen’s cows.

Present at the meeting, which was organised by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, were monarchs of agrarian communities of the state, farmers’ representatives, heads of Fulani communities and other stakeholders.

The governor said, “There is the need to form committees that would discuss regularly, issues concerning the relationship between host communities and herdsmen. If there is a regular interaction between them, we will succeed in solving many of the problems that have been identified. I want each of the committees to meet once in a month.

“Animals will eat wherever they find food but we must agree on where the cows will graze. It is not possible for herdsmen to graze their cattle on farmlands. We will not allow that. We will create a path where the cattle must be taken through to graze.

“If by mistake the cattle strayed and eat farm products, the owners must be ready to pay compensation to the farmers concerned. We must agree on one fact that farmers and herdsmen know themselves.

Ajimobi said the establishment of ranches by his administration was under way.

In his contribution, the Sabiganna of Iganna land, Oba Saliu Oyemonla, thanked the governor for his interest in finding a solution to the constant clashes between farmers and herdsmen.