Ikenna Atanah
The Ekiti State Government on Wednesday, January 27, denied reports that Fulani herdsmen are fleeing into the state’s forests from the neighbouring Ondo State.
The State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Akin Omole, denied that herdsmen from Ondo had relocated to Ekiti forest.
He further stated that the Ekiti Government was working with relevant security agencies; including the State Amotekun Corps to monitor the state boundaries round the clock; in order to ensure the lives and property of residents in the state remained secure.
On the destruction of the maize farm; the Commissioner said the incident was being looked into by the state government and security operatives.
Omole added, “The Ekiti State Government sympathises with all those who were affected by this and would like the community to be assured that no efforts will be spared to ensure that Ekiti citizens are able to conduct their affairs in peace, unhindered by criminals of any kind.”
He called on residents in the state to discard the relocation report; and go about their lawful business without any fear of losing their lives as well as property.
Maize Growers Processing Marketer Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN) in Ekiti State on Tuesday told newsmen in Ado Ekiti that its members’ farms worth N10 million was destroyed by suspected herdsmen.
According to the MAGPAMAN, over 235 hectares of land and located in the forest reserve in Aduloju; along Ado-Ijan road, in Ado Local Government Area, were completely grazed and destroyed.
The destruction was blamed on herdsmen, who allegedly were fleeing Ondo State; following the expiration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s order for unregistered herders to vacate the state’s forest reserves over insecurity.