Some communities in Osun State have raised the alarm over destruction of their farmlands by cattle rustlers.
They lamented that the action has damaged crops and threatened the livelihood of local farmers.
While calling on the state government and security agencies to intervene and prevent what they termed a looming communal crisis, the leaders of the communities disclosed that cattle grazing go on people’s farms unchecked.
The communities affected are Otuuru, Coker-Ijesa, Omu-Ijesa, Oduola-Ijesa, Anjo-Ijesa, Eripa-Ijesa, Oke-Ogbo, and Oniyere which are all under Ilase-Ijesa town, Obokun Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Chief Oyeniyi Adetunji Olurin, the Baale of Otuuru, Coker, Ilase-Ijesa, expressed frustration over the repeated encroachment on farmlands by cattle rearers.
He described the situation as illegal and inhumane, pointing to the harmful effects the destruction has been having on agricultural activities in the region.
Olurin revealed that several meetings have been held with key stakeholders, including the Seriki Fulani of Osun State, Alhaji Dende, and a prominent cattle breeder in the area known as Muhammed Fulani, also called “Soldier.”
However, despite efforts to reach a peaceful resolution, he said the herdsmen have refused to halt the use of farmlands as grazing fields.
The traditional leader then re-issued stern warning to cattle rearers, urging them to immediately stop moving their cattle through the farmlands of Otuuru, Coker-Ijesa, Omu-Ijesa, Oduola-Ijesa, Anjo-Ijesa, Eripa-Ijesa, Oke-Ogbo, and Oniyere communities.
He emphasised that failure to comply could ignite a serious communal conflict.
Olurin expressed particular concern over the fact that much of the land in these areas has been developed into residential spaces, leaving only small portions for farming.
He noted that with the consistent invasion and destruction of these farmlands, the livelihoods of community members are at risk. He called on the authorities to intervene urgently to preserve the long-standing peaceful relationship between cattle breeders and the host communities.
The community leader’s appeal reflects the growing tension in the area, as the destruction of crops continues to strain relations between the local farmers and cattle rearers.
The residents are hopeful that swift action from the state government and security agencies will help resolve the situation before it escalates into violence.
