We Lost 23 Persons, 20 Houses To OG0n Crisis

The Sarkin Fulani of Abeokuta, Muhammad Kabir Labar, said 23 herdsmen were killed and about 20 houses burnt in the recent crisis in OG0n State.

Naija News reports that many lives were lost and properties destroyed during clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Eggua, Ketu, Igbooro, Iselu, Agbon-Ojodu, Asa, Ibeku, Imeko and Oja-Odan areas of the state.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on farmers and herdsmen’s clashes in the state on Tuesday, Labar said the clashes were caused by elements who want to destroy the state and set Fulani people against Yorubas by whipping up ethnic sentiments.

He blamed the crisis on “strangers” for disrupting the coexistence peaceful coexistence enjoyed in the state over the years.

Those present at the event were OG0n State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawale, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and Niger State Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello.

Also speaking, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State said the only way to curb the recent clashes between farmers and herders in the Southwest is to ban open grazing.

He blamed the clashes on the influx of foreign herders into Nigeria from West African countries, urging the regional body must put in measures to either register or ban the movement of cattle herders into the country.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun hinted that the farmers and herders in the state would sign a treaty as part of the part of peace meeting.

He said those fomenting trouble and ethnic clashes in the state are non-residents.

Source: Naija News