Herdsmen Crisis: University Don Warns Of More Fulani Evictions

The Director, Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, Professor Femi Olufunmilade, has warned that unless open grazing of cattle is stopped, more farming communities across the country would consider evicting herdsmen in their areas.

He said as long as armed Fulani herdsmen are allowed to roam freely and cause deaths and destruction of properties, they should expect more evictions across the country.

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Reacting to mounting agitations for eviction of notorious criminals in many Yoruba communities, Olufunmilade said that Fulanis would be evicted, not only in Yorubaland but across all communities they are currently occupying in Nigeria.

Agitation for the eviction of Fulanis started from Oyo, Ondo and Ogun States, but has now spread to other states such as Edo, Abia and Bayelsa States.

Olufunmilade noted that the eviction order was because people were pushed to the wall and they either defend themselves or continue to die in silence.

According to him, “Yoruba are the most hospitable and tolerant ethnic group in Nigeria, in whose towns and villages you find people of diverse ethnicities, gifted land and accorded all rights and privileges of indigenes to settle, do business, and live in peace.

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“Seriki Fulani in Igangan was evicted for being the kingpin of kidnappers in the area. Specific victims of his criminality like Dr. Fatai Aborode have been mentioned. Has he been interrogated and investigated by appropriate security agencies?

“Only criminals operating with impunity because of their high connections are being shown the way out in beleaguered communities. And there is a consensus in Yorubaland for the victims to evict criminals in their communities, whoever they are.

“This has to be so because the siege by criminals masquerading as herdsmen is now akin to an organised guerrilla warfare aimed at pushing our rural dwellers, who are predominantly farmers, into the cities to form IDP camps as is the case across the north presently.

“Can you tell me one thing the Federal Government has done to check this menace? Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has provided land to settle the nomadic herdsmen. I wonder if he has gotten any help from the Federal Government.

“Our royal fathers have met with President Buhari several times on this matter. Ditto our governors, albeit in a lackluster manner. Where is the positive outcome?”

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