Economy In Crisis As Fulani Herdsmen Take Over Ogun, Oyo Forest Reserves

0
729
take over ogun

Economy In Crisis As Fulani Herdsmen Take Over Ogun, Oyo Forest Reserves

Residents of towns and villages along the Opara Forest Reserve in Oyo State and Imeko Forest Reserve in Ogun State are living in fear following the invasion of the two reserves by herdsmen.

Some residents of Imeko, Iwoye and Jabata was reported by Punch Newspaper as saying on Friday that the development had been a major source of concern to them, alleging that the herdsmen allowed their animals to destroy people’s farms while grazing in the areas.

One of the prominent sons of Imeko, Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, a former lecturer at the Department of History, University of Lagos, according to Punch reports says that the occupation of Imeko Forest Reserve by foreigners was a security threat.

Asiwaju said, “Many of them have taken residence in uncared for, unguarded forests reserves along the international boundary. They cross from northern part of Benin Republic to Nigeria. The government there does not allow them to stay and they cross to Nigeria and move into the forests.”

One of the residents of Iwoye, Adeyemi Olaosebikan, was quoted by Punch Newspaper as saying that inhabitants of Jabata village in the Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State had deserted their community following the killing of some indigenes during an attack.

He said residents fled the community in May after four persons were killed in the community, adding that residents of other border communities were now living in fear.

His Words:

“Herdsmen from many countries in West Africa have taken over the Opara Forest Reserve in Oyo State and Imeko Forest Reserve in Ogun State. Their presence there is causing fear among the people.

“In fact, resident have deserted Jabata Village which is in Imeko Afon. Imeko Forest Reserve should be twice the size of Ibadan. It is 378 square miles. The Opara Forest Reserve is almost three times bigger than Imeko Reserve.

“Government is watching herdsmen from Bukina Faso, Mali and other countries taking over an area that is that large. The forest reserves belong to the Federal Government but state forest guards are the ones taking care of them. However, it is obvious that the forest guards are not doing anything there. So, this invasion is a time bomb.”



READ ALSO! Nigerian Central Bank Approves Disbursement Of Loans For Creative Industries At 9%

READ ALSO! Tony Elumelu To Empower 1,000 Northern Entrepreneurs With $5000 Each

READ ALSO! How To Empower Yourself And Generate Income From Mutual Funds

READ ALSO! Is N-Power Truly Empowering Nigerian Youths?

READ ALSO! How Nigerian Govt Can Lift 100million People Out Of Poverty — Tony Elumelu

READ ALSO! TraderMoni: Poverty Alleviation Or Political Leverage?

READ ALSO! Is N-Power Truly Empowering Nigerian Youths?

READ ALSO! Gtbank 737 Disservice: How to Kick Your Customers in the Butt!

READ ALSO! Why The North Remains Headquarters Of Poverty In Nigeria — Kingsley Moghalu

READ ALSO! The Love Of Your Life Is An Illusion: It Doesn’t Exist Anywhere!