Farmland Destruction: Amotekun Arrests Herders, Over 250 Cows in Ondo

By Izunna Okafor

Amotekun, the security network of the Southwestern part of Nigeria has arrested two herders and about 250 cows for allegedly destroying 300-hectare farmland in Ipogun, Ilara Mokin and Owena Dan areas of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The cows and the herders were apprehended on Sunday after the invasion of the farmland, during which the cows allegedly destroyed crops such as cassava, cocoyam, plantain and maize.

In his reaction, the state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said he mobilised to the area when they received the report on activities of the herders in the communities, mobilised to the area.

He said, “I was amazed when I saw the level of destruction when we got to the farm. The herders first attacked us, but later ran away. However, we arrested two of them. We also seized over 250 cows.”

Adeleye said the corps would not fight for compensation for the farmers, adding that, henceforth, cows arrested for destruction of farmlands would be taken to court and auctioned.

“We will charge them to court and auction the cows. That is the position of the state government and the Amotekun Corps as from now,” he added.

One of the affected farmers, Mr Joseph Odeyemi said that the herders came with their cows and ate the crops, noting that the attack had been ongoing for the past five years.

On his own part, the state Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Garba Bello, said the body were ready to compensate the farmers and cooperate with the state government.

It was gathered that an agreement was later signed by MACBAN and Amotekun that cows would not destroy farms, and any herder or cow arrested henceforth would be prosecuted.