The Ondo State Police Commissioner, Abayomi Oladipo, has issued a stern warning to herdsmen and youths in Uba/Eshimeri Akoko and Aduloju Camp in Akoko South West against killings and arson in the community.
Abayomi vowed to bring to justice the killers of a farmer, Sunday Ayeni, and the arsonists who wreaked havoc in Aduloju Camp in the council area of the state.
It is recalled that a farmer, Sunday Ayeni, was gruesomely murdered by suspected herdsmen after they were made to pay compensation to the deceased for the destruction of his farm by their herds.
Tension gripped the community following the murder, causing other farmers to abandon their farmlands while many residents fled in fear of further attacks.
Women in the community protested half-naked at the palace of the traditional ruler, the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye, demanding justice for the victim and an end to herdsmen attacks.
Youths from the community reportedly invaded the Fulani camp in Aduloju and set it ablaze.
In a swift response, Police Commissioner Oladipo visited the community to assess the clash between the locals and the Fulani residents. He issued a riot act to both the herdsmen and the youths.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, Abayomi said, “On Sunday at 1100hrs, a case of murder was reported at Oka Division. A young farmer who went to his farm did not return. A search party traced his movements and found his corpse along a farm road, with his intestines exposed, suspected to have bled to death from a stab wound.”
He continued, “On the same day, the Sarki of Ikare Akoko reported that youths, believed to be Uba Akoko natives, attacked Fulani settlements at Aduloju Camp.”
The command swiftly deployed personnel to intervene and prevent an imminent crisis in the area.
During his visit, the Commissioner of Police met with the people of Uba, sympathized with them over the death of their beloved son, and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also met with the Fulani in Aduloju Camp, assuring them that the arsonists would be prosecuted.
Commissioner Abayomi appealed to both parties to maintain peace while the command conducts a thorough investigation, directing the Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case.
He further promised to meet with the Governor to relay all that was discussed during the meeting.
The command urges the people of the state to report crimes to the nearest police station and other accessible security agencies.
