Attack On Falae: Akure Chiefs Read Riot Act To Fulani Herdsmen

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By; ODEYEMI SAMUEL, Akure

The  Nigerian  Ambassador to Greece, Prof. Olu Agbi has called on Governments both at federal and state levels to be proactive in finding a lasting solution to the incessant attack on the former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu False by Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking with newsmen at the palace of Deji of Akure on behalf of the community,

 Prof. Agbi, who is also the Asiwaju of Laure land, said if not well tackled, continuous herdsmen’s attacks on revered elder statesman like Chief Falae could lead to unnecessary ethnic conflict.

The people of Akure had warned that government should checkmate the activities of Fulani herdsmen that are perpetrating ungodly acts in Akure Kingdom to avert  ethnic conflict or civil war in the country.

They therefore called on government and law enforcement agencies to put in place strategies that will stop herdsmen from grazing on farmlands in the Ondo state capital and its environs.

Prof. Agbi stressed the need to curb the “cruel act” which is gradually spreading.g to farms of notable people in Akure kingdom.

 He gave other affected sons of Akure to include a serving Judge, Justice Michael Owoyemi  and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Ondo State, Mr Dayo Awude”.  

His words, “Apart from killing of hapless people, these herdsmen have made residents to live in fear especially those who reside in our farm settlements”.

Despite the attacks and killings, he said, Akure people speak with one voice  and insist that incessant open confrontation must stop adding that it seems the law enforcement Agents are helpless in dealing with the menace.

The Asiwaju further warned, “We call on the security agencies to protect the life and property of Chief Falae. We are making this appeal not only because he is an Akure chief.

If Chief Falae, the Olu of Ilu Abo is not protected, he said,  the stature which  transcends Akure and Yoruba land could lead to tribal war..

He therefore warned  the herdsmen not to create an opportunity for a civil war since any further attack on Chief Olu Falae or his farm would be deemed as casus-belly.

Prof Agbi noted that the Federal government and its security agencies should be bold enough to tackle excesses of herdsmen in the country in the interest of national security and unity.

“We are uncertain who may likely be their next target as these hoodlums have been going from one place to another attacking harmless people and destroying farmlands”.

 According to him,  “The word colony has political connotation not economic saying  a colony is a political entity which someone said he wants to create in the territory of another”.

He how ever described such act as provocative  and a terrible thing for anybody to contemplate, noting that Akure does not have land to be colonized.

Also commenting  on the proposed cattle colonies, the Elemo of Akureland, High Chief Segun Adedipe said it was an unacceptable policy that Akure people would not be ready to release their land for such practice being  a private business.

He therefore advised government to ensure that individuals who own cows establish ranches for their trade.

The High Chief noted that Akure community would be forced to device traditional means to defend its people in their respective farms.

Also speaking,, the President of Akure Youths, Mr Tuyi Adekanbi expressed displeasure that Security agents had allowed herdsmen to take over farms in the Ondo state capital despite regular security alarms raised by residents. 

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