Oyo: Herdsmen seek govt intervention over alleged killings of members, cows

Two groups representing herdsmen in Oyo State have called on Gov. Seyi Makinde to intervene on its behalf as they continue to witness the incessant killings of its members.

According to the group, they have lost several cows worth millions of naira due to the alleged poisoning of water sources and feeds along cattle routes in the state.
The group made the claim in a joint statement signed by Saliu Kadri, National Chairman of Jamu Nati Fulbe Association of Nigeria and also the Seriki Fulani of Oyo State; and Ibrahim Saliu, State Chairman, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Police Commissioner in Oyo state, Mr Nwachukwu Nwonwu was also copied in the mail.

Kadiri said that no fewer than 10 of their members and several cows have been killed in the last three months in different parts of the state.

“We hereby use this opportunity to inform the governor, Commissioner of Police and the general public of frequent and unprovoked killing of our members and cows across the state.

“This is particularly necessary at this stage as there is a limit to human patience.

“We, as an association, have always been holding meetings to educate our members on the need to be law abiding,” he said.

The Seriki Fulani said that the incident occurred mostly in Saki, Ijio, Ogbomoso, Iresaadu, Iganna, Ado-Awaye and Igboora.

Kadiri accused some farmers of putting poisonous substances on the grazing routes and rivers, thereby causing the death of herders and their cows who drink from the rivers.

He said that the associations might not be able to restrain their members if the unprovoked killings continues.

“We hereby call on the government and progressive stakeholders in the state to come to our aid to prevent further killings of our members who are law abiding citizens,” Kadiri said.