Concern stakeholders in Ibadanland including traditional rulers, chiefs, baales, and prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city and Oyo State in general on Monday condemned alleged burning of over 40 hectares of Rice farm owned by Dammy Farm in Ago-Amodu, Saki area of Oyo State by suspected herdsmen.
They described it as an unfortunate incident particularly at this time when Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship and increase in price of foods.
A statement by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade stated that Ibadan people and the entire Oyo State will not fold their arms while unscrupulous element takes over their farmland and cause food scarcity in the state.
The statement made it clear that there has been several reported cases of herdsmen attacks and destructions on farmlands in Ibadanland and it’s environs, saying the height of it was this recent menace at Saki/Ago Aare.
The statement urged government at all levels to as a matter of urgency intervene and bring perpetrators of the dastard act to justice.
According to them, whoever caught should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others who may have same in mind.
The statement said “Report reaching us said suspected herdsmen have burnt down Dammy Farm, at Ago Amodu along Saki over refusal to allow them to graze their farm.
“The rice farm of over 40 to 50 hectares was burnt down by herders who want to graze the farm but was rejected by local security and other law enforcement agencies on ground. Not satisfied, they allegedly mobilized themselves and burned the entire farmland that is already at harvesting stages.
“The suspected herders burnt down the entire farm and stand by it till the fire recked havoc on the entire farm.
“We issue a very strong warning to the perpetrators of the dastard act, we are law abiding citizens and we don’t want to take law into our hands, government should do the needful.
“We are complaining that there is scarcity and increase in price of food, an incident like is still happening, this will discouraged our people in rural areas in farming.
“The government should know that an hungry man is an angry man, government should intervene before this issue of herdsmen get our of hand.
