Former NYSC petitions Ogun CP over destruction of farmland by herdsmen in Obada Oko

Adegboyega Oluwaseyi

The former National Youth Service Corp NYSC and trained journalist in Ogun State Fatai Iliyas has petitioned CSP Lanre Bankole the Ogun state Commissioner of Police over invasion of his farmland by some suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Fatai Iliyas in the petition dated 21st October, 2021 lamented that the suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded his six acres vegetables farm situated at Awowo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

The thirty-three-year old graduate said the money used in planting the vegetable farms was about six hundred thousand naira with expected returns of one million and eight hundred thousand naira. 

Journalist said, he was devastated by the level of destruction caused by the cows as the entire vegetation had been reportedly wiped out with all the heaps leveled beyond recognition.

Part of the petition reads, "I had my Youth Service in Zamfara State, and searched for job for more than three years without getting any. So, I decided to take farming to maintain myself and family in line with Federal and State Government Campaign for youth participation in Agriculture for Advancement of Individual and National Economy.

"However, on the 1st of October, 2021, I received a call from my partner, Mr. Oluwanifemi Olawale that some suspected Fulani herdsmen had invaded our six (6) acres vegetables farm, situated at Awowo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, which had gulped more than Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000.00) with expected returns of One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira.

"On immediate inspection, I was devastated by the level of destruction caused by the cows under the command of the herders.

"As I write the petition, the entire vegetation had been wiped out with all the heaps leveled beyond recognition.

"I subsequently lodged a formal complaint at Obada-Oko police station and my statement was obtained by Inspector Adamu. I have visited the station on two other occasions without any tangible news of arrest of the culprits and which now led to actions taking. 

"I therefore demand that an action is taken to track the herdsmen and bring them to justice."