NB247
The Ondo State Security Network(Amotekun,Corls has responding to a fresh wave of herders’ menace, arresting two for infringing on the law regulating grazing in the state.
“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders,” Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, said on Wednesday in Akure while parading the suspects.
He said in a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, the herders drove a landlady out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.
The herders reportedly occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing lot and resting ground for their herds.
In a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, herders allegedly drove a homeowner out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.
According to the Commander, the herders occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing and resting ground for over a thousand cows.
He said despite multiple appeals to vacate the premises, the herders refused to leave, forcing the homeowner to abandon her property.
Herders recent attacks had been witnessed in Ondo North and Ondo Central respectively.
Amotekun, by its establishment Act, has a mandate to ensure a harmonious coexistence between farmers and herders.
It also has the mandate to enforce to anti-open gracing law which restricts herders from engaging in open grazing in certain areas in the state.
With the dry season not fully set, herdsmen are moving southwards and destroying farms along the trails.
Amotekun urged residents to be alert and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety.
The Amotekun Corps has been engaging the Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to prevent further clashes with farmers.
But Mr Adeleye said the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law however, remains a priority as the Corps intensifies efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Other suspects arrested include a car theft syndicate. The group, led by a kingpin named Hassan, used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles. Their modus operandi involved parking stolen cars at clubs or recreational centres to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Hassan was arrested after attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux in Ore.
“Security guards raised the alarm, leading to a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives,” Mr Adeleye noted.
“Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off.”
The Commander urged vehicle owners to install security devices on their cars, especially during the festive season, to deter theft. He revealed that Hassan admitted to being able to open any car door with his master key.
Also arrested was one Rabi Waliu, who specialises in dismantling stolen motorcycles.
“Waliu’s gang reportedly attacks motorcycle riders with heavy objects, dispossessing them of their bikes before dismantling them overnight,” the corps commander said.
“Two other suspects were apprehended for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from parked cars, particularly at mechanical workshops.”
Another suspect, Samuel, was arrested for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.
The Commander praised the role of actionable intelligence in the success of these operations. “We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for farmers to refrain from taking the law into their own hands in the event of conflicts with herders. “Rather than resort to violence, farmers should report such cases to the Amotekun Corps for swift intervention,” the Commander advised.
End.