‘Ban open grazing’ — Ibarapa indigenes propose solution to farmer-herder crisis

Stakeholders in Ibarapa zone of Oyo state have called on the state government to find a solution to the clashes between farmers and herders in the area. 

Several parts of Ibarapa, consisting of seven towns — Igboora, Eruwa, Idere, Igangan, Ayete, Tapa and Lanlate — have in recent times witnessed increased cases of killing and kidnapping alleged to have been perpetrated by herdsmen.

The zone made news headlines after Sunday Adeyemo, youth leader better known as Sunday Igboho, asked the herdsmen to vacate the area.

Though the state chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, said Ibarapa is now peaceful, there are still records of attacks in the area.

Speaking with NAN, Adedamola Badmus, Olu-Aso of Iberekodoland in Igboora, said the first step towards ending the crisis is by banning open grazing.

He said the destruction of farmlands by cattle prompted the crisis before it became aggravated.

“The crisis started from farmers-herders clashes. There would always be clashes when cattle destroy farmlands. Most farmers suffer a lot and loses huge amount to farmland destruction,” Badmus said.

“There are so many issues such as kidnap, rape, destruction of farmlands and killings to address, but the process should begin from the prohibition of open grazing.

“Fulanis resident in the town were not chased from the town. We only ensured that no strangers are allowed to infiltrate their ranks to cause further chaos.

“This is one of the demands of our subjects and we stand by it. As traditional rulers, we are doing our best to ensure peace reigns in our respectively domains.”

Also speaking, Raheem Gafar, Balogun Asawo of Ayete, said his people are predominantly farmers who are unable to pay back their loans when their farmlands are destroyed.

“Don’t forget that our people obtain loans to farm and the lenders will not tolerate any excuse, you must pay back their money,” Gafar said.

On his part, Ibrahim Jiji, the state chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), appealed for an amicable resolution of the crisis.

He said the herdsmen perpetrating the crimes are strangers, not residents, adding that they do not delay in reporting suspects to the security agencies.

“I have spent more than 35 years in Oyo State and I know the Yoruba people to be peace-loving. There would always be bad eggs in every society or group,” Jiji said.

“Herdsmen who have been destroying plantations on farmlands are not those residing in the town, but strangers.

“When we suspected some herders, we handed them over to Amotekun outfit. I believe their commandant can confirm this.”