Ondo: Suspected Herdsmen Attack Amotekun Operatives Enforcing Anti-Open Grazing Law

 

Suspected herdsmen launched a brazen attack on operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, in the Igoba community near Akure, Ondo State.

The incident occurred during the enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law aimed at curbing conflicts between herders and farmers.

Jimoh Adeniken, the spokesperson for the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, confirmed the assault in a statement released on Saturday.

He disclosed that the operatives were responding to persistent complaints from farmers in Igoba and Osi communities regarding the destruction of their crops by roaming cattle.

“In response to numerous complaints from farmers in the Igoba and Osi areas of Akure North Local Government since May 6, 2024, our Amotekun corps from Headquarters in Alagbaka Akure responded today, July 5, 2024, around 4:00 PM,” Adeniken stated.

During the operation, Adeniken reported that the corps team, guided by local farmers, encountered a large herd of over one hundred cows devastating farmlands. The officers proceeded to relocate the cattle in adherence to the state’s anti-open grazing policy.

However, en route to Sango Area at Igoba along Ado Road in Akure, they were ambushed by armed Fulani herdsmen.

“The herdsmen, armed with stones, bottles, cutlasses, and even firearms, attacked our officers as they attempted to move the cows away from the farms,” Adeniken continued.

“Under orders from command, our operatives retreated to safety amidst continued assault with projectiles.”

The identity of the injured officer remains undisclosed as investigations into the incident continue.