ODSG Takes Decisive Action to Resolve Farmers-Herders Crisis Over Owena Dam Farmland Destruction
In a bold move to address escalating tensions between farmers and herders in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, a high-level meeting was convened at the headquarters of the State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps.
This critical meeting focused on the devastating destruction of farmland owned by the Owena Dam Farmers Association, a loss estimated at approximately ₦265 million.
The conflict erupted when herders allowed their cattle to graze indiscriminately, causing damage to 25% of the farmland. Frustration among farmers mounted as their numerous attempts to negotiate with the herders failed, forcing them to seek intervention from Amotekun.
At the meeting, Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye unequivocally emphasized the necessity of peaceful coexistence and strict adherence to the state’s anti-open grazing law. “No individual is above the law,” Adeleye declared. “Our agency will ensure compliance with government policies, especially those pertaining to open grazing.”
He directly addressed accusations of bias against herders, clarifying that Amotekun’s actions, which included the legal temporary detention of herders and their cattle, were essential for fostering constructive dialogue. “We have secured court orders to detain herders and cattle while discussions are ongoing. Our top priority is to restore normalcy. Both farmers and herders must avoid taking the law into their own hands,” Adeleye asserted.
Alhaji Gonia Garuba, Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Hausa Matters, echoed this sentiment. He urged both parties to maintain peace and proposed the establishment of designated ranches to prevent future conflicts. “We are advocating for land to be allocated for ranches far away from farms to eliminate future disputes. Peaceful coexistence is not just possible; it is imperative, and we are dedicated to making it happen,” Garuba affirmed.
Dr. Daudu Igbekele, Vice Chairman of the Owena Dam Farmers Association, did not hold back in expressing his outrage over the extensive destruction of crops, including cassava, maize, and vegetables. He pointed to violent confrontations that resulted in three farmers being hospitalized while they defended their livelihoods.
Farmer Adebayo Adewunmi shared his alarming experience: “I was violently chased off my farm by herders and their cattle. The damage to my produce is over ₦15 million.”
Representatives from Miyetti Allah, the herders’ association, countered the allegations of intentional crop destruction, claiming incidents were accidental. However, they accused farmers of exaggerating claims to provoke punitive actions from Amotekun.
Community leaders, including High Chiefs from Igbara-Oke and surrounding areas, insisted on the necessity of dialogue and non-violence. They pressed the state government to prioritize ranch development to stop cattle from encroaching onto farmlands.
The meeting concluded with clear commitments to limit cattle movements and avoid any confrontations. Both farmers and herders pledged to work transparently with Amotekun to implement monitoring systems that will prevent future disputes.
Farmers urgently called on the government for compensation and protection of their farms. “The government must unequivocally prioritize agriculture and safeguard our livelihoods,” declared Mr. Adigun Benjamin, Chairman of the Owena River Basin Farmers Association.
The Ondo State government has committed to closely monitoring the situation and facilitating ongoing discussions to ensure lasting peace in the region, firmly establishing its role as a mediator in this critical issue.
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