Ogun Police Mediate Farmers-Herders Rift, Advocate Peaceful Coexistence

In a bid to quell recurring tensions between farmers and herders, the Ogun State Police Command convened a security consultation and stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Odeda Local Government Area.

The meeting, held at the Olugbo police outstation, was in response to frequent reports of crop destruction and cattle killings in Olugbo and nearby villages.

According to a statement released by police spokesperson Omolola Odutola on Wednesday, the dialogue was convened on the directive of Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo to foster mutual understanding and prevent hostilities.

The gathering follows recent incidents in the area, including the arrest of a 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun, on January 15, 2025, for allegedly poisoning cows in the Alabata community. Egbetokun was accused of lacing cassava with rat poison and throwing it to grazing cattle, leading to the death of two out of three cows.

Similarly, another arrest was made involving a farmer, Ismail Apitipiti, who allegedly attacked a herdsman and inflicted a deep machete wound on one of his cattle.

Odutola noted that during the meeting, ethnic groups agreed to urge their members to embrace peace and tolerance. Community members were also encouraged to report disputes promptly to the police or local security outfits to prevent escalation.

“The police assured all parties of swift intervention in emerging disputes to avert violence, while stakeholders pledged full cooperation to sustain peace and security in the region,” the statement added.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Odeda PCRC Coordinator, Hunters’ Association, traditional rulers, Igede Farmers Group, Igbo community, and Fulani herders. Also in attendance were youth leaders from neighboring villages, members of the Agbekoya Group, Vigilante Group, local hunters, and other security personnel.