Tension is said to be high in Imo-Arigidi,in Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo State as a middle-aged farmer has reportedly shot a 26-year fulani herdsman grazing on his farm to death.
He alleged that the cattle brought by the herdsman vandalised his crop.
The victim’s colleagues instantly overpowered the farmer and matcheted him thinking that he had died, but he survived their attack.
Police from Okeagbe were said to have rushed the farmer to Ikare-Akoko State Specialist Hospital where he was been guarded by Police.
Sources alleged that the Fulani herdsmen later planned reprisal attack on residents of the town,but Police in Okeagbe division averted what would have been a bloody clash.
The development led to an emergency meeting convened by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by his Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale at the palace of Akala of Ikaram,Oba Andrew Momoh.
The monarch commended the Police for prompt action on the incident.
Oba Momoh and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko,Oba Yisa Olanipekun also dialogued with the Hausa community to sustain peace in the area.
Ale contended that the state was relatively peaceful and accomodate non-indigenes without discrimination.
He promised that the law will take its course while justice would prevail in the matter.
The chairman, Yetiallah Association, Alhaji Garuba Bello urged the fulanis to see the incident as act of God,urging relevant authority to do justice.
He condoled with the family of the victim who was the only child of his mother.
The Police Area Commander for Akoko, Razak Rauf pledged that the police would do thorough investigation to the attack while culprits will be brought to book.
The former Minister of Defence, Prince Tokunbo Kayode (SAN) noted the aged long cordial relationship with Hausa-Fulani in Akoko, adding that there must be mutual understanding between the Fulani and their host.
The father of victim, Alhaji Haruna Fulani lamented the sudden death of his son.
The Akala of Ikaram,Oba Momoh and Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Olanipekun hailed Akeredolu for his prompt action, stressing that regular local government meetings with herdsmen was imperative.
The peace meeting was attended by SA to the governor on security, Alhaji Dojumo, SA to the governor on Hausa,Alhaji Bala Umar, Department of State Security(DSS) the Police and leadership of Hausa-Fulani Communities in Akoko area.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
