metro
Fear grips Kwara communities over influx of herders
Several communities in Kwara State are now reviewing their security strategies following the influx of herdsmen and their families from the neighbouring states of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun in the North-Central state.
The herders’ relocation arose from the ban on night grazing across the South-West, the quit order from government forest reserves in Ondo State, and the campaign against criminal herders in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice, Abuja on Friday fixed April 12 for judgment in a suit filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking “justice and accountability for the authorities’ failure to prevent, account for and investigate killings, raping, maiming of Nigerians and other residents, and destruction of property across the country by herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators.”
A panel of discussants also asked government to take decisive action on the incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the country before the situation degenerates.
Residents of Ifelodun, Irepodun and Isin local government areas of Kwara State, according to investigation, are currently taking stock of their security arrangements with a view to checking any threat to life and property following the relocation of herders to the localities.
A group, Omo Ibile Igbomina, an association of Igbomina people, said that six trailer loads of herders arrived in the area penultimate Friday alone, causing anxiety among the people.
He said that even before the arrival of the new comers, farmers had always been clashing with herders who seemed to take delight in taking their cattle to graze on farms.
Spokesman for the Omo Ibile Igbomina, Oni Martin, said, “Farming remains foremost of our economic activities that has become endangered, arising from mindless criminality, impunity and wanton destruction of crops and human lives right on our ancestral soil.
“We had a day when these gang of heartless strangers killed our people in broad day light on a particular market day in Oro-Ago town, for instance.
“We have series of reports of herdsmen chasing out our farmers out of their farms, for daring to challenge them for feeding their beasts with their source of living.
“Worrisome enough, the herdsmen have appeared to make it a vogue to array themselves with terribly sharpened cutlasses, assault walking sticks and of course assault rifles.
“This intimidation and threat appeared worse on the farms as these strangers exhibit no reservation to make their beast comfortable to the sorrow of our farmers even to the point of terminating lives.
“All of the above has been our routine experience and the herdsmen have taken over our forests and farmlands with our people living in fear of being kidnapped or hacked down.
“With the above background, the national body of Omo Ibile Igbomina with all has been on consultations in a bid to arrest the ugly development.”
Continuing, Martin said, “All of a sudden on the 29th of January, 2021, we heard the news of the arrival of an uninvited army of more dreaded herdsmen, more ferocious looking than those we had been trying to manage. They came in six trailers to Igbomina land.
“Thank God for the vigilant patriots who intercepted them at the wee-hour of the day at a point between Buari and Okerimi Oro.
“Our people’s reaction was spontaneous and responsible: the Women Farmers Association in Oro stormed the palace of the Oloro of Oro to find a lasting solution to the situation.
“These people who were driven out from the Southwest states of Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Oyo could not and will not be allowed to use any part of Igbomina land as their new abode. Igbomina will not concede an inch of her land to these unwanted visitors.
“In view of the above, it is our resolution that our community remains peaceful, law abiding but alert to security threats.
“Strangers should spontaneously be reported to our traditional rulers, and if unresolved, to the security agencies.
“Let our people go to the farm as a team and avoid staying late on the farm much less doing a lone ranger farming.”
Residents of Igbaja in Ifelodun local government area of the state also recently staged a peaceful protest at the palace of the traditional ruler of the ancient town, the Elesee, to draw attention to alleged intimidation and destruction of their farms by herders.
The head of the Fulani community in Igbaja, Mallam Abubakar Garba, said in an interview that some of the accusations were true, but implored the natives to be patient, saying deliberate efforts were being made to address the matter.
Garba expressed sadness over situation of security in the communities, calling for dialogue to ensure amicable resolution.
The state government also called for peace across the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Sabbah Jubril, said, “In the light of some unfortunate developments in some neighbouring states, we urge our people not to entertain any fear as proactive measures have been, and are still being, taken to maintain peace and ensure security of lives and properties of every resident.
“The government is working with all the security agencies, directors of personnel management (DPMs) and the leadership of Miyetti Allah to strengthen the existing peace between various economic interests.”
He also said, “At the instance of His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State, the office of the SSG has held briefings with various stakeholders across the state on the need to ensure that all hands are on deck to protect lives and properties.
“The leadership of Miyetti Allah has also committed to disallow night grazing or cattle grazing by underage persons. Assisted by the security agencies, the DPMs across the 16 local government areas have been directed to work with local communities and legitimate herders to keep the peace.
“We therefore urge everyone to key into this peace building process and to avoid taking laws into their own hands or engage in activities that can undermine peaceful coexistence.”
FG using back channels to resolve crisis, says Lai Mohammed
Speaking on efforts by the Federal Government to resolve security challenge in the country, Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, said different approaches were being adopted.
One of such is what he called back channels; that is the use of a third party to broker peace.
He cited this week’s meeting between renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, and bandits terrorising Zamfara State.
“When you want to resolve an issue like this, you use lots of back channels,” the minister said.
The minister spoke on TVC’s ‘This Morning’ show.
He added, “It is not unusual for a respected cleric to have the confidence of (approaching) outlaws or bandits.
“As a matter of fact, they are probably ready to listen to him more than they are ready to listen to the government. They are probably ready to believe him more.”
-The Nation
metro
Japa: Leaders won’t run away when things are tough, Fashola tells youths
Japa: Leaders won’t run away when things are tough, Fashola tells youths
Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, has asked Nigerian youths to stay back in the country rather than seeking green pasture abroad amid the economic hardship.
Fashola, who said youths must be able to do something better for themselves, noted that an end must be put to the mass exodus of the country.
The two-term Lagos governor spoke on Saturday at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of the Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo state.
Fashola, who admitted that things were tough in Nigeria, advised young people in the country to push their way through to get into a place of decision-making.
“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi who have contributed to Nigeria not run away ? Why are they still here? Times were equally tough in their younger days that propelled the popular musician Dr Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko s’owo l’ode…. (sics) in the 60s.
“The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility. Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.” he said.
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On his part. Michael Ade-Ojo, founder of the University, said he was fulfilled with the vision of the institution producing world-class graduates and supporting the education system in the country.
Ade-Ojo explained that despite the lack of financial returns on his investments in the university, he was happy that institution’s graduates are competing globally.
“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the university. It, therefore, gladdens my heart to see the seeds I sowed to humanity, already bringing forth useful fruits. My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria, and while there’s still work to be done, I am pleased with how far we have come,” he said.
He urged the university to always place greater emphasis on research and entrepreneurship training, noting that it will equip students to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the institution was committed to producing well-rounded graduates who would be equipped with skills to solve the nation’s numerous economic and technology challenges.
“With new developments, a growing research portfolio, and strong community ties, Elizade University is poised to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education,” Ijadunola added.
Japa: Leaders won’t run away when things are tough, Fashola tells youths
metro
NAF airstrikes kill 70 terrorists in Borno, says DHQ
NAF airstrikes kill 70 terrorists in Borno, says DHQ
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has killed more than 70 terrorists in air strikes conducted on November 6 at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands in Borno.
This is contained in a statement by the director of defence media operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Saturday in Abuja.
Mr Buba said that while more than 70 extremist members were eliminated at Kwallaram, several more were killed at Arainna Ciki.
He said the troops had intensified offensive against terrorists and insurgents across the country, dislodging them from their enclaves and killing scores in synchronised airstrikes and ground operations.
According to him, troops neutralised 169 terrorists, arrested 641 others as well as 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.
He said the troops recovered 192 assorted weapons and 2,970 ammunition comprising 106 AK47 rifles, 38 fabricated rifles, 26 Dane guns, one FN rifle, three fabricated revolver pistols and 11 locally made pistols.
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Other weapons recovered, according to him, include five pump action guns, one dummy AK47 rifle, one unexploded RPG bomb, 1,410 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,074 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 67 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 130 rounds of 108mm, 101 rounds of 9mm ammo among others.
Mr Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 20 crude oil cooking ovens, two dugout pits, 42 boats, seven reservoirs, five drums, 50 storage tanks and 83 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include three pumping machines, three outboard engines, one generator set, one speedboat, eight motorcycles and three vehicles, among others.
“Troops recovered 914,445 litres of stolen crude oil, 537,325 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,285 litres of PMS.
“On the whole, troops operations have severely depleted the ranks and files. Consequently, the terrorists are forced into a desperate recruitment drive on social media, particularly the ISWAP terrorist group.
“Troops will sustain the offensives to eliminate all threats,” he added.
NAF airstrikes kill 70 terrorists in Borno, says DHQ
(NAN)
metro
Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Banana Island projects, warns residents against flooding
Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Banana Island projects, warns residents against flooding
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on residents of Banana Island to continue obeying the building and environmental laws of the state, in order to mitigate the effects of flooding in the area.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Saturday at the inauguration of some projects undertaken by Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association, Lagos (BIPORAL).
The projects inaugurated include the Banana Island Administrative Office, a recreational park, Banana Island Club House, a fire fighting truck, a tennis court and an astroturf five-a-side football pitch.
Sanwo-Olu decried the lack of maintenance culture and urged the residents to maintain the facilities for the benefit of the public and future generations.
He, however, commended them for compliance with the state environmental and building laws, urging continuity.
The governor also lauded the efforts of the outgoing executives of the association, led by Mr Frank Aigbogun, and the new executive of Mr Abidemi Sonoiki for a good working relationship with government officials.
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Residents had earlier appealed to the governor for immediate intervention over persistent flooding of the area, particularly whenever it rains, apparently due to drainage challenges, especially on the road leading to the estate.
Sanwo-Olu pledged that the Ministry of Environment would inspect the road to find lasting solutions.
He noted that the flood is caused by houses built on the water channel around the area, adding that the government would not hesitate to demolish such houses after inspecting the area.
“Somebody has built a house on a channel of water that is supposed to be flowing to the sea.
“I plead with you to work with us. I don’t have an interest in demolishing people’s houses or making life uncomfortable for them, but we have to do what we have to do.
“Meanwhile, I will direct the Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment, and Office of Drainage, as well as Waterfront Infrastructure to look at what the issues are and come up with possible and permanent solutions to the problem.
“I know that the challenge on that road is a major outfall. It needs to be able to discharge that water, right, onto the canal out on the right and see how we can also navigate some canal and get it on the left,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Banana Island projects, warns residents against flooding
NAN
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