In light of the growing wave of insecurity affecting various regions of Oyo State, Nigeria s has voiced urgent concerns over the escalating violence and its implications for residents and their livelihoods.
House of Representatives Member Mrs. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has raised the alarm over invasion of her constituency in Oyo State by armed herdsmen
In a statement released through her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olamilekan Olusada, Akande-Sadipe reported that armed herdsmen have invaded Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities within her constituency.
The lawmaker, who represents the Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State, expressed concern that the herdsmen have been destroying agricultural produce and intimidating local farmers.
“The herdsmen use weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear in residents of Ogunmakin,” she stated.
Akande-Sadipe emphasized that this situation jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers, further exacerbating economic challenges and food insecurity in the South-West region.
“There is an urgent need to do something now so as to avert a further loss of lives, and prevent humanitarian and food security crisis,” she urged.
The lawmaker called on relevant federal government bodies and security agencies to intervene before the residents of her constituency are completely displaced from their ancestral homes.
In her capacity as Chairperson of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, Akande-Sadipe accused the armed herdsmen of having “a deliberate agenda to destroy farm produce and intimidate local farmers.”
She claimed that despite multiple reports submitted to law enforcement, no decisive action has been taken to address the issues, leaving farmers vulnerable and unprotected.
“The failure to act swiftly has emboldened the perpetrators, leading to increased attacks, destruction of crops and threats to lives and property, with the risk of further escalation if immediate action is not taken,” the lawmaker stated.
She pointed to the resolution of the Igangan crisis, where effective measures were implemented to tackle similar issues, including the enforcement of anti-open grazing laws to restore peace and safeguard farmers.
Consequently, Akande-Sadipe called for an immediate investigation into the reported cases of intimidation, destruction of farmlands, and the use of weapons by herdsmen in the area.
The lawmaker advocated for a thorough investigation aimed at ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, which would serve as a deterrent to others.
She also urged the House to request that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development provide immediate relief materials to affected farmers and communities.
Akande-Sadipe expressed confidence that such assistance would significantly alleviate the impact of the crisis on their livelihoods.
“It will also enable them to recover from losses incurred and resume agricultural activities,”
Furthermore, she requested an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and nearby areas.”
“We must engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and community leaders to develop a sustainable solution to the crisis,” AKANDE-Sadipe said.
The state has witnessed an alarming increase in incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and clashes between herdsmen and farming communities.
These events have instilled fear among residents and have disrupted daily life, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own homes.
The recent spike in violence has drawn the attention of various advocacy groups, urging the state government to prioritize the welfare and safety of its citizens.
Many residents have taken to social media to express their frustrations and fears regarding the current state of security.
