Herdsmen killing: Fayose warns against reprisal, summons security meeting
Ayodele Fayose
Governor Ayodele Fayose
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, visited Ipao community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State where a native, Mr. Tunde Olayemi was murdered by suspected herdsmen and advised the people against reprisal.
Governor Fayose, who visited the community in the wake of the killing, also announced that an amendment to the open grazing law in the state would be sent to the House of Assembly to forestall future occurrence to the effect that anyone who kills herdsmen’s cows would be jailed.
Fayose, who addressed hundreds of the people of the community who had trooped out to welcome him, also announced while meeting with leaders of the community, said he would set up a five-man committee that would investigate the root cause of the killings in the town.
Governor Fayose said: “I appeal to you to ensure you live peacefully with the Fulani herdsmen in your community. We want a peaceful situation and don’t allow any reprisal.
“We will investigate and get the root cause of this sad development and, particularly, why this community has become a flashpoint so we can find a lasting solution to it. The security operatives have been deployed into your town and would secure place.”
The governor said: “I’ll be holding a security meeting with all other security operatives to discuss how we would secure the community with our men. The reason why this community has become a flashpoint is because it is a border town. We will be on top of the situation and this would no longer happen.”
He also promised to compensate the bereaved family and affected Fulani herdsmen who lost cattle.
He appealed to the people of Ipao and their leaders to ensure that there is no reprisal.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ibrahim Chafe, assured that he was holding a meeting with all other security operatives on how to mobilise their men to secure the community.