A violent clash between the Ondo state security outfit, Amotekun, and Fulani herdsmen in Akure has left multiple individuals injured.
The conflict occurred over the weekend as Amotekun operatives enforced the state’s anti-open grazing law in the Igoba area.
The altercation began when Amotekun personnel arrested over 120 cows and their herders for grazing and causing significant damage to tomato farms in Igoba town, Akure North council area.
Local farmers had repeatedly complained about the herders grazing on their lands and destroying crops worth millions of naira.
Responding to a distress call from a tomato farmer, Amotekun operatives apprehended the cows and their herders.
However, while transporting the arrested individuals and livestock to their office, the Fulani herdsmen launched an attack on the security personnel.
The state commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, reported that his officers were assaulted with stones, bottles, daggers, and guns, resulting in several injuries.
The spokesperson for the outfit, Jimoh Adeniken, confirmed in a statement that the operatives were enforcing the anti-open grazing law when the attack occurred.
“The herdsmen continued to throw stones and bottles, eventually hacking one of the Amotekun officers to a coma while attempting to disarm them,” Adeniken said.
“The officers were forced to shoot into the air to disperse the attackers and retreat to their office.”
He added that other officers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The owners of the seized cows have been identified, and an investigation is ongoing.
Adeniken emphasized that the government remains committed to enforcing the anti-open grazing law to protect farmers’ efforts and prevent the destruction of farmlands by herders and their livestock.
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