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Stakeholders have condemned the alleged burning of over 40 hectares of rice farm belonging to Dammy Farm, in Ago-Amodu, Saki East Local Government Area of Oyo State by suspected herdsmen.
The stakeholders, including traditional rulers, chiefs, baales, prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan land and Oyo State in general, in a statement issued on Monday by the President, Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, described the burning of the farm as wicked, barbaric and provocative, especially at this time when Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship and increase in the prices of foods.
They said indigenes of Ibadan and Oyo State would not fold their arms and allow unscrupulous elements to take over their farmland and cause food scarcity in the state.
According to the statement, there have been reported cases of herdsmen attacks and destruction on farmlands in Ibadan land and environs, adding that the height of it was the recent incident in Ago Amodu.
It urged government at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, intervene and bring perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.
“Reports reaching us is that suspected herdsmen have burnt down Dammy Farm at Ago Amodu, in Saki East Local Government over the owners refusal to allow their animals to graze on their farm.
“The rice farm of over 40 hectares was burnt down by herders who wanted their animals to graze on the farm, but were rejected by local security and other law enforcement agencies on ground. Not satisfied, they allegedly mobilized themselves and burned the entire farmland that is already at stage of harvesting.
“The suspected herders burnt down the entire farm and ensured that the fire wrecked a great havoc on the entire farm.
“We are warning the perpetrators of the dastardly act to desist henceforth. We are law abiding citizens and we don’t want to take laws into our hands, but government should act now.
“We have been complaining that there is scarcity and increase in prices of foods. An incident like this happening will discourage our people in rural areas from farming.
“The government should know that an hungry man is an angry man. Government should intervene before this issue of herdsmen gets out of hand.
“The perpetrators should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who may have the same in mind,” the statement added.