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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has raised concerns over the invasion of Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities in the Oluyole Federal Constituency of Oyo State by armed herdsmen.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Akande-Sadipe alleged that the herdsmen had been destroying farm produce, intimidating farmers, and wielding dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instill fear into residents. She emphasised that this had severely impacted the livelihood of farmers, exacerbating economic challenges and food insecurity in the region.
Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly, brought the matter to the House of Representatives as an issue of urgent public importance. She urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take immediate action to prevent further loss of lives and a deepening humanitarian and food security crisis.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, accused the armed herdsmen of deliberately targeting farm produce and using violence to drive fear into local communities. She lamented that despite multiple reports made to law-enforcement agencies, there had been lack of decisive action, leaving farmers vulnerable and unprotected.
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Recalling the resolution of the Igangan crisis in 2021, Akande-Sadipe urged the government to take similar steps, including enforcing anti-open grazing laws and deploying security forces to restore peace and protect farmers.
She called for an immediate investigation into the reported cases of intimidation, farmland destruction, and the use of weapons by herdsmen. She also stressed the need for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
Furthermore, Akande-Sadipe urged the House to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide relief materials and support to affected farmers and communities. This, she noted, would help mitigate the impact of the crisis, enable farmers to recover their losses, and resume agricultural activities.
The lawmaker also called for an urgent on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and neighboring areas. She emphasised the need for engagement with key stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and community leaders, to develop a sustainable solution to the crisis.
