In a bid to strengthen relationships and foster mutual understanding between the Osun Amotekun Corps and the Fulani community, a significant meeting was held today at the Amotekun Headquarters in Osogbo.
The gathering, aimed at addressing issues related to the destruction of farmlands by livestock, brought together key leaders of the Fulani community in the state.
The Corps Commander directed his Field Commander to officially represent him at the meeting which was held at the Command Headquarters of Amotekun in the power line area, Osogbo.
In his address, the Field Commander Akanni who spoke on behalf of 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 the 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 the practice of open grazing, which often leads to livestock straying onto farmland, resulting in damage to 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 the protection of 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 towards achieving lasting peace and security in the state’s agricultural sector. By collaborating and sharing information, both parties aim to reduce tensions and foster a more 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.
Signed:
Yusuf Idowu Abass
Public Relations Officer
Osun Amotekun Corps
