Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, in Osun State, has disclosed plans to make some representatives of Fulani communities members of a special task force to end open grazing and criminal activities of some herders across the state.
This is coming as the leadership of the Fulani ethnic group residing in Osun State, denied destruction of people’s farmlands, claiming that some “foreign Fulani herdsmen” are infiltrating them and causing a crisis.
To fish out the bad eggs among cattle rustlers and other non-indigenous dwellers in the state and end open grazing, Amotekun summoned Fulani leaders to a meeting in Osogbo recently and hinted of plans to establish a task force that would curb herder-farmer conflict and restore lasting peace to rural areas.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Field Commander, the Corps Commander, O. Akanni emphasised that the primary goal of the meeting was to work collaboratively with the Fulani leadership to identify and address individuals causing tensions between the Fulani herders and local farmers.
He lamented the destruction of farmlands by herders, saying the menace needed to be stopped before farmers go into farming season fully.
Akanni clarified that the Osun Amotekun Corps is not an adversary to the Fulani people, or is there any government stance against them, noting that the Corps’ primary concern is to put an end to the practice of open grazing, which often leads to livestock straying onto farmlands, resulting in damage to crops.
“We do not want to hear that cows are eating people’s farms,” Commander Akanni asserted, urging the Fulani leaders to communicate this message to their communities.
As part of the discussions, the Corps proposed the creation of a joint task force consisting of Fulani representatives and Amotekun personnel.
He said this task force would work together to mitigate the issue of livestock damaging agricultural produce, which has been a source of discord between farmers and herders in the state.
During the meeting, Ibrahim Dende, the Seriki Fulani of Osun State, made a significant commitment to the Amotekun Corps.
He assured the Corps that the Fulani leadership would assist in identifying and exposing any foreign Fulani herders who may be contributing to the destruction of farmlands.
Dende explained that the local Fulani leadership maintains detailed records of all Fulani residents in the state, with two designated leaders in each local government area tasked with monitoring the activities of Fulani cattle rearers.
He noted that the problems arising from cattle damaging farms were often caused by foreign Fulani individuals who enter the state under the cover of darkness, settle in remote areas, and, after causing disturbances, flee without being identified.
“We are committed to identifying and exposing any Fulani herders who cause problems in the state,” Dende pledged.
He further assured the Amotekun Corps of the Fulani community’s full cooperation in rooting out those responsible for criminal activities, stressing that the meeting had clarified the role of the Amotekun Corps as one focused on the protection of agricultural interests, not as a threat to the Fulani people.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu noted that the dialogue between the Osun Amotekun Corps and the Fulani leadership marks a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and security in the state’s agricultural sector.
“By collaborating and sharing information, both parties aim to reduce tensions and foster a more peaceful coexistence, ultimately ensuring that the livelihoods of farmers are protected while supporting the legitimate activities of Fulani herders.
“This partnership between the Amotekun Corps and the Fulani leadership demonstrates a collective commitment to resolving the challenges surrounding livestock farming and agriculture in Osun State, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous future for all stakeholders,” he explained.
