By Jelili Gbadamosi
Residents and community leaders in eight communities in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of Oyo State have given a group of unfamiliar herdsmen 48 hours to leave the area, citing concerns over security and alleged disruption of community life.
The ultimatum was issued at a security meeting held on Monday in the Samaday area, following concerns raised by residents about the presence of the herders and their activities in the communities.
The affected communities are Ibapon Are Oluwamodupe, Ayedire, Mercy Land, Estate, Irewolede, Ona Igbala, Ifesowapo and Grace Land.
The community leaders said the decision was precautionary, particularly amid reported cases of kidnapping and other security concerns in parts of the Ogbomoso geopolitical zone.
A kidnapping incident was recently reported in Oloka village, while 39 students and seven teachers were also reportedly abducted in communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Baale Ibapon, Ashifat Akanji, who announced the ultimatum, said the communities were familiar with some Fulani residents who had lived in the area for years, but described the affected group as unfamiliar.
He said the communities had recently been advised by the Commissioner of Police to remain vigilant and report the presence of strangers who could pose security concerns.
Chairman of the eight communities, Alagbe Oyebamiji, also accused the herders of allowing their cattle to damage farms and septic tanks and defecate on roads, among other alleged nuisances.
He said attempts had previously been made to involve law enforcement agencies after the herders were allegedly asked to leave, but that they later returned.
Chairman of Ogbomoso Parapo, Prince Aderemi Olude, said the group was invited to the meeting after conflicting claims emerged over who authorised their presence in the area.
According to him, the herders initially claimed that the Baale had permitted them to settle in the area, but the traditional ruler denied the claim. They subsequently referred to the Seriki Fulani in Ibapon, Alhaji Idowu, who also reportedly denied giving such permission.
Olude said the meeting consequently resolved to give the herders 48 hours to vacate the area, stressing that any further action would be taken through lawful channels.
He said the decision was aimed at protecting lives and property and preventing a potential security crisis.
The community leaders stressed that the ultimatum was directed at the unfamiliar group and not Fulani residents who had long lived peacefully in the communities.
The herdsmen named in the ultimatum could not be reached for comment as of press time.
