In a concerted effort to address the recurring clashes between farmers and herders in Osun State, the Amotekun Corps has met with Fulani leaders to promote mutual understanding and prevent further destruction of farmlands.
The important meeting, which took place at the Amotekun Headquarters in Osogbo, gathered key Fulani community leaders to discuss the ongoing issue of cattle grazing on farmlands, a major source of tension in the region.
A source close to the meeting described the engagement as “strategic dialogue” aimed at fostering cooperation and tackling security concerns in the agricultural sector.
The Field Commander of Amotekun emphasized that the primary goal of the discussion was to collaborate with Fulani leaders in identifying and addressing individuals who contribute to the escalating tensions between farmers and herders.
He clarified that Amotekun was not an adversary to the Fulani people, and there was no government effort to target them. However, he stressed the urgent need to end open grazing, which often results in the destruction of crops.
“We do not want to hear reports of cows destroying people’s farms anymore,” Commander Akanni said, urging Fulani leaders to educate their people on responsible grazing practices.
To help solve the problem, the Amotekun Corps proposed the establishment of a joint task force made up of Fulani representatives and security personnel to monitor and curb farm destruction while preventing clashes.
The Seriki Fulani of Osun State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende, who spoke during the meeting, expressed the Fulani leadership’s commitment to assisting in identifying and exposing foreign herders responsible for damaging farmlands.
He added that local Fulani leaders keep detailed records of all Fulani residents in the state and monitor the activities of herders at the local government level.
Alhaji Dende emphasized that most of the issues surrounding farmland destruction were caused by migrant herders, who operate secretly and often disappear before they can be held accountable.
“We are dedicated to identifying and exposing any herders causing trouble in the state,” he assured.
He also reiterated the Fulani community’s willingness to collaborate with Amotekun in addressing criminal elements and clarified that the engagement had cleared up any misconceptions about the Corps’ role. Amotekun’s goal is to protect farmlands, not to target Fulani herders.
This meeting represents a significant step toward promoting peace and security in Osun’s agricultural sector. By enhancing collaboration and intelligence-sharing, both parties aim to foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders while protecting livelihoods.
