‘We’ve lost 20 people in two years’ — Ondo community protests killings by ‘herdsmen’

Residents of Ijagba community in Ose LGA of Ondo state, on Thursday, protested against “unending criminal activities” of suspected herdsmen in their village.

The residents said the incessant attacks, kidnapping and killings of residents were becoming unbearable.

Speaking with journalists, Sunday Ogoh, prime minister of Ijagba, said the community is under siege by the suspected herders.

“We came here to inform the whole world about what is happening in our local government area, most especially at Ijagba community, for the past two years,” Ogoh said.

“We have not been having peace of mind in our community with a lot of kidnapping, killings, burning of our houses, farm lands by these Fulani herdsmen that have been terrorising the community.

“Just three days ago, we lost one of our illustrious sons, Ohiremen Isaac Odeh, while the son too, Solomon Isaac Odeh, was also attacked on their way to the farm. Apart from that, in that area, we also lost one of our former chairmen, Bola Adelegbe.

“In search for the victims in the bush, it was discovered that Ohiremen Isaac Odeh was killed by the abductors, while his lifeless body was found after trekking some kilometers in the bush.

“Same day, the remains of Ohiremen Isaac Odeh has been deposited in the mortuary, while a ransom of N400,000 was paid to the abductors to release his son.

“It is now imperative, due to the ugly incident, to carry out and seek the support of the government and all relevant authorities to protect our lives and properties.

“This problem is not only limited to Ijagba, these Fulani herdsmen operate in Imoru, Molege, Arimagija, Ute and Okeluse. There is no security in these areas.”

Ogoh appealed to the state government to create a strong military base and two checkpoints between Ifon, Imoru, Ijagba, Ute and Okeluse in order to reduce the attacks of the suspected herdsmen.

“The area has become the den of terrorists because there is a big forest reserve behind Okeluse,” he said.

“They use the place as their base and whenever they kidnap people, they will ask for ransom and once you cannot give them the ransom within two to three days, they will kill you.

“So we have lost about 20 souls in that area in the last two years.

“We have reported to the state government and the security agencies in the state and the traditional rulers in those communities have held several meetings, but up till now, we have not heard any positive responses from the state government.”

Reacting to the attacks, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, police spokesperson, said the force is aware of the situation and is working to arrest those behind the attacks.