The Osun Amotekun Corps and the Fulani community met at the weekend to prevent farmers’ and herders’ conflicts and foster mutual understanding between the two groups.
The meeting, held at the Amotekun Headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital aimed at addressing issues related to the destruction of farmlands by livestock. I t was arranged by key leaders of the Fulani community in the state.
“This is a significant meeting because it allows both parties to brainstorm on possible ways to avoid farmers and herders’ clashes. The strategic meeting is designed to enhance cooperation and address agricultural security challenges,” a source stated.
The Field Corps Commander emphasized that the primary goal of the meeting was to work collaboratively with the Fulani leadership to identify and address individuals causing tensions between Fulani herders and local farmers.
He clarified that the Osun Amotekun Corps is not an adversary to the Fulani people, nor is there any government stance against them. The Corps’ primary concern, he explained, is to put an end to open grazing, which often leads to livestock straying onto farmlands and damaging crops.
“We do not want to hear that cows are eating people’s farms,” Commander Akanni asserted, urging the Fulani leaders to communicate this message to their communities.
As part of the discussions, the Corps proposed the creation of a joint task force consisting of Fulani representatives and Amotekun personnel. This task force would work together to mitigate the issue of livestock damaging agricultural produce, which has been a source of discord between farmers and herders in the state.
During the meeting, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende, the Seriki Fulani of Osun State, made a significant commitment to the Amotekun Corps. He assured the Corps that the Fulani leadership would assist in identifying and exposing any foreign Fulani herders who may be contributing to the destruction of farmlands.
Alhaji Dende explained that the local Fulani leadership maintains detailed records of all Fulani residents in the state, with two designated leaders in each local government area tasked with monitoring the activities of Fulani cattle rearers.
He noted that the problems arising from cattle damaging farms were often caused by foreign Fulani individuals who enter the state under the cover of darkness, settle in remote areas, and, after causing disturbances, flee without being identified.
“We are committed to identifying and exposing any Fulani herders who cause problems in the state,” Alhaji Dende pledged.
He further assured the Amotekun Corps of the Fulani community’s full cooperation in rooting out those responsible for criminal activities, stressing that the meeting had clarified the role of the Amotekun Corps as one focused on protecting agricultural interests, not as a threat to the Fulani people.
The dialogue between the Osun Amotekun Corps and the Fulani leadership marks a significant step toward achieving lasting peace and security in the state’s agricultural sector. By collaborating and sharing information, both parties aim to reduce tensions and foster peaceful coexistence, ultimately ensuring that the livelihoods of farmers are protected while supporting the legitimate activities of Fulani herders.
This partnership between the Amotekun Corps and the Fulani leadership demonstrates a collective commitment to resolving the challenges surrounding livestock farming and agriculture in Osun State, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous future for all stakeholders.
