News Obiaks News

It is hard to say the direction in which things will turn in the nearest future with the uncontrolled activities of the Fulani herdsmen despite the warning earlier made public by the Afenifere on the same issue. Barely two weeks after the kidnap of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Chief Olu Falae, in his farm, herdsmen have allowed their animals to destroy the same farmland. No one expected the Fulani herdsmen to ever come near the location again following the earlier incidence, but it was clear they were bent on doing as they wish, irrespective of warnings or possible consequences.

Chief Olu Falae

The Farm Manager, Bruno  Akhigbodemen conducted newsmen round the farm located at Ilado in Akure North Council area of Ondo State. This time, over one kilometre stretch of maize plantation was destroyed during the invasion at about 2.00 am on Monday. Akhigbodemen said that the herdsmen arrived the farm with their flock and wreaked the havoc despite the horrible experience the workers and their boss had in the last two weeks, sequel to their menace. He pointed out that  efforts by the guards to prevent the destruction of the farmland were rebuffed as they were threatened by the herdsmen.

The Farm Manager said that the former Finance Minister has reported the latest destruction to the state Police Command. The police authority had also swung into action in respond to the said report.

It was learnt that following the complaint by Chief Falae, some detectives from the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS,  were  deployed to the farm. They reportedly combed the neighbouring villages for the suspects, but were unable to make any arrest.nReports, however said the search continues as some detectives still keep vigil in the village.

It was gathered that the police authorities invited leaders of the herdsmen in the state, who stood surety for those that were arrested and released during the last invasion when over N500, 000 worth of farm products were destroyed. Akhigbodemen described the destruction of the farm last Sunday as devastating. He appealed to the government and the security operatives to act decisively on the menace of the herdsmen.

Chief Falae could not be reached for comment on the destruction of his farmland which is coming after his kidnap and payment of N5 million ransom. The former Minister of Finance has been having issues with the Fulani herdsmen, whose cows have on several occasions destroyed his farmland. He is billed to travel abroad this weekend for medical treatment after his horrifying experience which he described as hell. The latest destruction according to findings was said to be the fifth in two months.

No fewer than three policemen have been deployed to his Oba-Ile residence since his last ordeal. Contacted on the Sunday invasion and destruction of the farm by the Fulani herdsmen, the Police image maker Femi Joseph said he was not aware of the incident. Joseph was recently posted to the state as the  command’s spokesman. He claimed the matter had not been reported to him.