Farmers at Oja Ibadan in Ogunmakin, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, have raised alarm over the persistent hardship and unrest caused by Fulani herdsmen in their community. The farmers lament that their farms have become a target for destruction, with the herdsmen allegedly invading their lands and allowing their cattle to graze freely on cultivated crops.
The farmers, speaking with journalists, revealed that their efforts to resist the invasion have been met with violent retaliation. “Anytime we speak up, the Fulani herdsmen become violent and attack us. It has gotten so brutal that they harm us with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons,” one of the farmers stated.
According to the farmers, the attacks have not only threatened their safety but also severely hindered their productivity and livelihoods. Many have suffered significant financial losses as their hard work and investments are destroyed in mere moments by the grazing cattle.
Despite their repeated complaints to the police and the local government chairman, the farmers say that no tangible action has been taken to address the situation. Instead, they claim that the attacks have only intensified, leaving them feeling helpless and vulnerable.
“We have reported this matter several times to the authorities, but nothing has changed. The situation keeps getting worse, and we don’t know what else to do. We are calling on the government to intervene urgently before it gets out of hand,” another farmer pleaded.
The farmers urged the government at all levels to provide immediate and lasting solutions to the crisis, emphasizing the need for adequate security measures to protect their lives and farmlands. They expressed hope that decisive action would be taken to restore peace to their community and allow them to return to farming without fear.
