Ondo traditional ruler raises alarm over herdsmen invasion

The traditional ruler of Gedegede in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo state, the Onigedegede of Gedegede, Oba Walidu Sanni, on Friday raised the alarm over threat to his life by Fulani herdsmen in the area.

The monarch who stated that the timely intervention of men of the Ondo state Police command saved him and some of his subjects from being killed by the herdsmen who invaded his palace.

According to the monarch, about nine Fulani herdsmen invaded his palace threatening to kill him following his report to the police about their activities and destruction of farmlands and produce in the town.

He, however, said the men were overpowered while guns and cutlasses were seized from them were deposited to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okeagbe, Johnson Akintola.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting which was called at the instance of the state government in order to douse tension and apprehension in the council area, the monarch said the timely intervention of the police and government averted ethnic clash in the area.

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The monarch said the farmers in the community have poised for a showdown with the herdsmen because of the harassment from the herdsmen and invasion into the palace.

The traditional ruler said  that he reported to the Chairman of the local government, Mr Samson Akande and other traditional rulers in the area but said the timely intervention of governor Rotimi Akeredolu who deployed his Special Assistant on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, to the area doused the brewing  tension

Speaking at the meeting, Dojumo said carrying of arms and ammunition are prohibited while grazing between 6 am and 6 pm was in order but said the law prohibit underaged children from grazing

Dojumo however, appealed to the herdsmen to live with their host community peacefully, assuring them that the governor will soon invite all the stakeholders for talks in a bid to put a lasting solution to the incessant clashes.

Earlier the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the state Alhaj Sule Bello said Fulani vigilante groups had helped to reduce kidnapping in Ondo state.

Bello urged the herdsmen to maintain peace and cooperate with their landlords and host communities for peaceful coexistence.