Residents of Orin-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State have protested the invasion of their farmlands by suspected herdsmen.
It was gathered that the herders had hoisted a red flag at the ‘annexed’ farmlands to warn the farmers to keep off or face death.
Residents told journalists yesterday during the protest that the herders had occupied and destroyed crops planted on the abandoned 2500 acres of land at Orin Farm settlement.
The protesters comprising old and young men and women, chanted songs against the invaders, displaying placards bearing their thoughts and agitations.
The Onikare of Orin-Ekiti, Chief Bamidele Fasuyi, alleged that one Mr. Emmanuel Ilori, was killed by suspected herders sometime ago while the Tiv people farming in the town were chased away.
He regretted that the suspects had destroyed crops worth over N50million on farms belonging to 70 farmers.
He said: “What they wanted is to invade our land and chase us away. They even killed one of our able bodied men this year. They are imposing some curfew in this town, because our youths can’t go to farm freely and government has not been doing something. Several hactares of land had been destroyed. They used to operate at night with AK 47 rifle.
“Over 70 farmers were affected in our record. Crops worth 50 million have been ravaged. They ate up their products like Cocoayam, yam, cassava and others and made them to incur debts.
“We appeal to government to use the 2500 acres of land for farming. The state and federal government as well as private bodies should come to our aid. There were facilities like electricity, buildings and equipment that can aid farming if they want to invest.”
A youth leader, Mr. Omotoso Mathew Kayode, alleged that the suspected herders had hoisted a flag at the farm settlement, where they warned the farmers to keep off or face death.
The Oniwaro of Orin, Chief Mathew Oke, urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to fulfil his promise to build a police station in the town and rejuvenate the farm settlement to ward off herdsmen from the area.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, said the government was aware of the protest by the community, but denied the hoisting of flag.
Olumilua said: “Yes, I heard about the protest by people of Orin-Ekiti and I can assure you the Special Adviser to the Governor is on top of the situation and we should remain calm.
“However, I must say we are not aware of any flag being hoisted in the place.”
Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Sunday Abutu said the command had not been briefed of the alleged herdsmen’s invasion of the community.