From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The National Association of Seadogs, Ogun State chapter, has condemned in the strongest terms the brazen invasion of local communities in Ogun State by armed herdsmen.
The association also called on the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun to move beyond rhetorics into the realm of actions to stem the tide.
In a press statement released on Saturday, the association said it viewed with serious concern, attacks on local communities, especially in the Yewa area of Ogun State by herders, who displaced indigenes and visited homes and properties with wanton destruction.
The association noted that it was no longer news to hear reports about killer herdsmen perpetrating all forms of attacks, maiming, kidnapping and killing on farmlands in the rural and suburban settlements around the country.
It further noted the escalating onslaught in the south-western region of the country in recent times.
“Asides from the incident in Ibarapa land, Oyo State, which spotlighted the resistance of the indigenous people as championed by Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho, other parts of the South West are also being stretched to the breaking limits by the atrocities of the killer herdsmen, in this instance, Yewaland.
“The people of Owode-Ketu have had their kinsmen kidnapped and killed in an ambush right in their own lands despite reassurances from the security agencies. The killings do not appear to be abating soon, sadly.
“As it stands, residents of these rural communities live in palpable fear as they are confined to their homes and unable to work on their farms knowing full well that they could be attacked anytime the blood-baying herders come calling.
“The National Association of Seadogs, therefore, urges the government and its security arms to rise in defence of the people it swore to protect so that the people are not forced to resort to self-help which could further, complicate the fragile peace in the country,” the statement stated.