Typical cattle herder roving south west forest and farmlands with arms
The much vexed issue of the itinerant cattle herders and the indigenous farmers that occurred at a hitherto peaceful community farm in Igbogila, Ogun State since September 2023, still lingers till date and the main victim, Mr Femi Egbeyemi, who ought to make a claim and seek redress for his enormous losses in terms of vandalized farm which comprised a thriving poultry, fish ponds, cassava farm and other food crops among others, is still in hiding.
The wife of the farmer, Mrs Julia Egbeyemi, is still being hounded by the law enforcement agent. Julia Egbeyemi is being compelled to provide her husband, Mr Femi Egbeyemi who was last seen in the community during the heat of the second attack in 2024.
Ironically, the second attack on that same farm which occurred in February 2024, was brazen as the cattle herders unleashed mayhem with sophisticated arms and ammunition at their disposal. The vicious attack left in its wake sorrow, tears and blood.
The perpetrators of the terror, the itinerant Fulani cattle herders could not be brought to book as they took there leave immediately after the attack. On the arrival of the Policemen as emergency respondents, it took no time before the community members who suffered various losses perceived the bias of the security operatives. Members of the community were being arrested at random and informed they would accompany the Police to the State’s force headquarters.
A cursory observation by a high chief led him to inquire why those who invaded their farmland and destroyed the community’s economic main stay were not deserving of interrogation at the Police force headquarters? This observation triggered another protest by the youths who ensured no member of the community accompanied the Police no where, if the aggressors had already been absolved of any wrong doing.
It was at this juncture, according to Julia Egbeyemi, that her husband and majority members of the community embarked on self-help to save themselves and family members hence, her husband’s sudden disappearance.
And in consonance to the fears that most likely compelled the farmer to run for his life could be perceived in the fact that, no one could account for the where about of the Fulani cattle herders involved in the violent clash. Although, their camps all around the fringes of Igbogila, in the Yewa North Local Government, are very well known but, this species of Nigerians from the northern part of the country have on several occasions been seen to be overtly treated as a sacred cow.
What seemed a renewed hostility began about a fortnight ago, Wednesday, 16th of September 2026, when relatives of Mrs Julia Egbeyemi accompanied some people including those belief to have once worked on the farm, went on an inspection of the farm in the company of some investors probably with the view to buy the farm or concession it for use to enable the wife realise financial benefits. This is expected to enable the poor woman cater for herself and the children who must return to school since the husband, who holds title deeds to the land is still at large.
However, plain clothed security officers accosted the parties that went on the inspection of the farmland and were demanding for the where about of Mr Femi Egbeyemi or the wife Mrs Julia Egbeyemi.
It was at this juncture that members of the community rose stoutly to protect the rights of fellow citizens.
This they did in sympathy with the expectation that the prospective buyer or concessionaire might not be discouraged by the untoward approach of the Police operatives.
The account noted that the resistance was so high as the youths got ever daring and insisted no one would be taken to the police station alive. And when the atmosphere was so charged and both the youths, elders and women of the community spoke with one voice and started praying for Armageddon, the police backed down and tactically beat a retreat.
Visit to the farmland few hours before the filing of this report revealed no traces of anyone occupying or starting anything on the particular farmland belonging to Femi Egbeyemi despite the inspection of a fortnight ago.
According to an eye witness account, Chief Abiade Noforija, he said the entire Igbogila in the Yewa North local government area used to be a very peaceful community.
He added that either wittingly or unwittingly, the police over-zealousness had adversely affected the economy of the community. He noted that genuine people desirable of farming on our land and make use of our tools have severally been discouraged to collaborate with the community in its usual common enterprise- agriculture- due to the fear of the police and the cattle herders.
Chief Noforija asked rhetorically : How long will members of the community live in fear and hunger, as their economic mainstay had not returned to pre – February 2024 levels, more than two years after the clash?
He however added that, although the Yewa North Local Government Area is generally regarded as a peaceful community, but the cattle herders incessant trespasses and aggression which often culminated in violent attacks region has brought insecurity
Our correspondent put a call through to the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), but there was no reply. A text message sent to the PPRO had also not been answered at the time this report was filed.
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