society
Agony As widow Narrates How Herdsmen Killed her hubby, Overrun Ogun Communities
The gory incident started in Oha, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, as one Dele Olowoniyi was hacked to death by Fulani herdsmen in the mid-night of Saturday, 6th February, 2021 while receiving fresh air in front of his hut in a farm settlement located in Oha.
About two days later, two other persons were also killed in an ambush by people suspected to be herders at Owode-Ketu while going to market.
In Asa, three persons were killed, while four persons were killed at Ebute Igbooro and about nine other persons sustained varying degrees of injury from the mid-night attack.
At Agbon in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, three farmers were killed in another attack by the herders.
In Agbon-Ojodu, Orile Igbooro, property including houses, cars and motorcycles were destroyed.
Speaking on the sad incident, the Village head (Baale) of Orile Igbooro, Tajudeen Akorede, said four members of the community lost their lives, including children, to the suspected herdsmen while nine others are still in the hospital receiving treatment from injuries.
He said the attackers came in the dead of the night when everybody was asleep. “No, we just heard sounds of gun in the dead of the night. We didn’t know what to do. We were perplexed.
“In my community, the herders set some houses, vehicles and motorcycles ablaze. We cannot go to our farms again.”
He appealed to government to station security operatives in Orile Igbooro to enable the villagers who fled in the wake of the invasion, to come back.
Narrating how her husband (Olowoniyi) was killed, the widow, Rasheedat Olowoniyi said she was peeping through the curtains inside their hut and watched in disbelief as herdsmen macheted her husband to death.
She said: “I could not shout or raise alarm in order not to attract attention of the killer herdsmen to myself and my son.”
“The herdsmen stormed the farm settlement with guns and cutlasses on motorcycles.
“The herdsmen were 18 in number and stormed the farm at about 12am with six motorcycles and started shooting indiscriminately when they got to the farm in order to scare the people.
“We had slept that day but my husband decided to sleep outside. My son and I slept in the room. I was inside when they killed him. They first started shooting; it was the gunshots that woke me up. I opened the curtains slightly and I saw them. They came in six motorcycles and three people were on each motorcycle.
“He was dragged on the floor. They beamed torchlight around to see if anybody was watching but I dodged behind the curtains. I watched as they took his phone and wallet and tied to his waist and ransacked his pocket for money. They spoke Fulfulde. That was what made me know that they are Fulani.”
Rashidat said that her late husband had about two months ago complained to the Fulani community after some cattle reportedly ate his farm crops. She, however, said the Fulani community apologised to him, unknown to them that they planned to attack him later.
“He challenged the Fulani on why they allowed their cattle to eat his crops. He told them that his farm was not in the bush. They begged him and everything was settled. That was about two months ago,” she said.
Speaking on the incesant killings in his constituency, member of Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Yewa II State Constituency, Wahab Haruna Abiodun Egungbohun berated the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, on how he has been handling the security of lives and property of the people.
The lawmaker said the senseless killing by the Fulani herdsmen in Yewa area of the state is becoming unbearable as people in his constituency can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed.
He said on Thursday, some communities in Yewa North, that included Owode Ketu, Ijoun, Eggua, Igan-Alade and Tata were reportedly ambushed by the herdsmen and killed two villagers.
“On Friday night again, heavily armed men entered Orile-Igbooro village in Yewa North and no fewer than four villagers were killed, some houses were also burnt down while many people were left with various degrees of injuries. It is clear that these herdsmen are behind the attacks.”
Ketu Constituency II has often witnessed violent attacks stemming from disputes between the herdsmen and the farmers.
“Security is said to be a right of every citizen but reverse is the case in Ketu. We are not treated with fairness. Our farmers can’t go to farm, we can’t sleep with eyes closed. The Governor should empower other security agencies now,” he lamented.
“It is sad that no single herder has been arrested since security agencies have been fighting insecurity in my Constituency.
“It is sad that our people in villages in this part of the state have not been able to sleep since last night. Villagers are now outside, setting up bonfire and ready to defend their village.”
Addressing residents of the affected communities, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abdulwaheed Odusile, appealed to them not to take law into their hands, but to allow the security agencies and the traditional rulers handle the situation.
He called for peaceful co-existence among the indigenes and people from other ethnic groups living in the state.
The Information Commissioner appreciated the royal fathers in Yewaland for dousing the tension that arose as a result of the attack from the herdsmen, calling for the sharing of necessary information that would lead to the end of the crisis, as the state government was poised to finding a permanent solution to the crisis in the state.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING