Herdsmen Farm Encroachmaent: Next Attack To Attract War, Akure Leaders Threaten

Barely 48 hours after the farm of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, was set ablaze by suspected herdsmen, elders of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State have warned that next attack would result in internecine war.

The elders also advised the nomads to desist from attacking other farmers in the area to avoid tribal clashes between them and the indigenes.

They also urged security agencies in the state to be up and doing to avert self-help.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Akure, the Asiwaju of Akureland, Prof. Olu Agbi, who spoke on behalf of the other community leaders lamented the rate of attacks on farms in the state.

Agbi, who is also one-time Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece and Australia, said there was need for the Federal Government to be proactive about the activities of the herders before it degenerates to a full-blown ethnic crisis.

His words:

“Since his(Falae) release and the conviction of the suspects, the farm of the senior citizen has been subject of attack by herdsmen. Apart from the killing of people in his farm, neighbouring farms have also been attacked by these gun-wielding herdsmen.”

“The recent burning of Chief Falae’s plantation by these same elements calls for worry. We call on the security agencies to protect the life and property of the elder statesman.”

The elders also kicked against the cattle colony proposal of the government, stressing that there was no land in the kingdom for the policy.