Ogun State Government Moves to Expel Armed Herdsmen
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
Ogun State Government under the authority of the Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, has issued a stark warning to armed herdsmen to vacate Ilaro Forest Reserve area immediately.
The Commissioner gave the warning during a peace meeting with stakeholders from Ilaro, held in Abeokuta on Thursday. Oludotun called on the leaders of the herdsmen to take proactive measures to ensure their members keep off the forest reserves.
“The state government will no longer tolerate herdsmen threatening law-abiding citizens with dangerous weapons and AK-47 rifles in and around the forest,” he said. “In the past, herdsmen were known to carry only spears and long sticks, but nowadays they handle dangerous weapons, which is unacceptable.”
The commissioner, represented by Permanent Secretary Timothy Olatunji, emphasized the need for peace and mutual understanding among investors, farmers, and other stakeholders within the forest reserves. He assured investors that their interests and investments would be protected.
Bayo Kuyeri, representative of Domedayo Farms, commended the government for securing their investments and urged farmers to cooperate with them to ensure peace and progress within the forest reserves.
Musa Adams, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, promised to call his members to order and ensure they comply with the government’s directive.
