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Oyo: Hausa cattle rearers, butchers raise fresh alarm, say relocation of butchers to Amosun will ignite fresh crisis
Butchers from the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 14 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital have raised an alarm that relocation of all butchers in Ibadan to Amosun village housed by Akinyele LGA will ignite fresh crisis between them and the Hausa cattle rearers in the state.
The butchers while addressing journalists last Thursday at a press conference held in collaboration with Veteran Organization for Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI) in Ibadan, observed that the purported relocation would cause more harm than good if allowed to see the light of the day.
According to the Chairman of National Union of Butchers (NUB), Aare Latosa LCDA, Alhaji Ganiyu Olobo and his colleagues from Egbeda Local Government Area, Alhaji Mukaila Otedola; Ibadan North LGA, Mr. Kehinde Oladejo; Ido LCDA, Mr. Alidu Tajudeen; Akinyeke LGA, Alhaji Oroyinyin Adeleke; Ibadan South West, Mr. Adebayo Wasiu and Mr. Sheriff Iyanda who spoke on behalf of their colleagues hinted that Amosun village is very close to Akinyele town where a large number of Hausa cattle rearers settled.
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They warned that the closeness of the the two, Akinyele town and Amosun village will lead to fresh crisis among the butchers and Hausa cattle rearers.
The butchers while urging Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state to prevail on the matter and allow butchers to continue with their businesses in their various locations, disclosed that it was year 2000 clash between the butchers and the Hausa cattle traders that made the former Governor, late Alhaji Lam Adesina to relocate the Hausa cattle rearers to Akinyele town.
They noted that the relocation which is being championed by some elements in the union in connection with a private firm will ignite fresh crisis due to the closeness of Akinyele and Amosun, the proposed abattoir.
“The proposed abattoir at Amosun village is close to Akinyele town where a large number of Hausa cattle rearers have settled. It was the killing arising from the clash between butchers and Hausa cattle traders in 2000 that made late Alhaji Lam Adesina to relocate the Hausa cattle traders to Akinyele town.
“This illegal relocation order given to the butchers will ignite fresh crisis. This is a bad omen and a security threat to the state, especially when electioneering period is at hand”, they said.
The butchers, who described the purported relocation as handiwork of some elements who are using the name of the state governor to coerce butchers in Ibadan stressed that Ajimobi during their meeting with him gave an order that butchers are free to operate anywhere that is convenient for them.
They added they were surprised that some leaders and the private firm are now forcing the butchers in Ibadan to relocate to Amosun village, the order they said was in contrary to the agreement reached with the governor.
They added that apart from security threat and untold hardship the relocation will cause, many youths and many traders will loose their sources of income due to the distance of the village to other areas.
“Many other petty traders who receive their livelihood because of the presence of the butchers in their locality will definitely lose their job and source of livelihood. It should be noted that a good number of youths are employed at the various local government abattoir and this brings employment and source of income to them. Relocation will cause unemployment and by extension youth restiveness.
“As a result of unfavorably location of the Amosun village abattoir, there will be increase in brigand robber, kidnapping and serious threat to life of both the butchers and buyers. The buyers would have to go extra miles before procuring beef, transport fee will increase and price of beef will also increase forcing untold hardship to the buyers.
“It will therefore unspeakable, unconstitutional and illegal for a group of people to arrogate to themselves what do not belong to them hijacking the function of a local government and by extension function of the state government to build a private abattoir in partnership with corrupt members of the National Union of Butchers, Ibadan chapter and later used the good name of our governor to make a relocation orders concerning other members of the butchers to go to Amosun village.
“We therefore appeal that this illegal order should quashed”.
VOHRI Lead Activist, Comrade Sakirullah Ayobami and General Secretary, Comrade Adekunle Abimbola while speaking noted that though private ownership of abattoir is allowed, coercion of butchers to move to the village is illegal.
VOHRI said , “Building of slaughter houses, slabs is one of the functions of local government. Private owned abattoir is allowed but coercion of butchers to operate in a privately owned abattoir is illegal and unconstitutional and runs contrary to the fourth schedule 1 (e) of the local government functions.
“It is constitutional for each local government to establish abattoir”.
They added that “Relocation order was a verbal expression and did not come from the state government but evil machinations of some disgruntled elements.
“Consequent upon intimidation, anxiety, serious threat to life and violation of the fundermantal human rights of the butchers in Ibadan occasioned by the fake relocation order issued by the aggrieved members of butchers in persons of Alhaji Azeez Alagunfon, Biliaminu Eleshimeta, Kehnide Tewogbade, Fatal Alagunfon, Alhaji Saliu, Alhaji Latest Adegoke and others.
“We are therefore appealing to you sir to use your good office to investigate thoroughly for justice to be earned. The action of the above-mentioned runs contrary to the fundermantal rights of the people by virtue of section 33, 34,36,39 and 40 of the constitution of Nigeria, 2010 as amended.
“This illegal partnership with the owner of abattoir at Amosun village which resulted in the blanket order given to butchers in all the eleven local government in Ibadan to relocate is an aberration of the fourth schedule 1 (e) of functions of local government”.
A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to heed the call by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, to embrace self-defence as insecurity worsens across Nigeria.
The President of the group, Yeye Victoria Omodara, made the call during a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Her address, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defence Amidst Rising Insecurity,” was delivered on her behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
Omodara lauded Ajayi for acknowledging that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity, urging Yoruba communities to reconnect with the spiritual heritage of their ancestors to defend their land.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from all six southwestern states, with Dr Tunde Hamzat representing renowned Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her speech, Yeye Omodara stressed the urgency for Yoruba communities to take proactive steps to protect their lives and property using “what we inherited from our forefathers.”
She said, “I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organising community defence initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighbourhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.”
The Yoruba leader decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria, noting that the DSS director’s call offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements,” she declared.
“His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasised that while the military and security forces are intensifying operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable. Citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection.”
Omodara revealed that the Yeye Dara International Farm is already mobilising its members to adopt self-defence strategies in alignment with the DSS director’s advice.
“We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted,” she added.
She lamented the complex and volatile security situation in Nigeria, noting the threats posed by multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” she stated.
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Food Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has distributed 5,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”
He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.
The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.
The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.
“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.
The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
