By Oludamisi Ojo,Akure.
To prevent Farmer-Herders clashes in Ondo state, the State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps has apprehended two herders with their 76 cows for destroying crops on some farms along Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commander of the Corps, Akogun Olatunji Adeleye, said the cows and the owners had been terrorising farmlands in Ilara area, Ifedore, and were resisting arrest.
“Our men had to trek more than 40 Kilometers to bring them down to the Command.
“We arrested two people which were not the original owners and 76 cows. With the development, it is expected the owner will turn up.
Adeleye said the herders were apprehended with their cows following a complaint lodged by commuters in the area over the destruction of their farmland.
“The people came to the office to report that their farms were destroyed overnight by some herders.
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“So, we sent our men to join them and we were able to apprehend the two of them.
Also, the Commander, Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe (retd.), said the corps in the different South-West states had achieved a lot in quelling crime in their domains in the zone.
Komolafe said, “We (Amotekun Corps) came in at a time the South-West zone was battling with insecurity, but with much efforts and commitment, we have been able to bring the situation under control.”
The Ekiti Amotekun Commander, who spoke in Ado Ekiti while playing host to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B, said although the corps in the state had achieved a lot since its establishment, it still needed to overcome some challenges for enhanced operations.
Komolafe said, “Since I assumed office, we have arrested 79 suspected kidnappers and handed them over to the police for prosecution. We have also successfully settled 63 cases of farmers-herders clashes.”
He said other suspects arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution included robbers, armed robbers, burglars, ritualists, rapists, human traffickers and others who allegedly committed sundry offences like obtaining by trick, stealing of goats, and fighting, etc.
The Amotekun boss, who called on residents of the state to give necessary information to the corps to ensure the arrest of criminals and prevent the commission of crimes, however, said the security body needed additional operational vehicles, offices and personnel.
