Herdsmen attack: Kajola residents cry out,

as Akinsuroju tasks all on security

From Akinnodi Francis, Ore
|
The people of Kajola community along Lagos/Ore highway  have called  on the state government and people of Ondo State to rescue them from the incessant attacks by some Fulani herdsmen that have been terrorising them.

Reacting to the tragic incident in which Mrs Olufunke Olakunrin was killed on Friday,  some residents of the community where the incident occurred who spoke separately with The Hope Metro said the armed robbers were Fulani men, who they claim herdsmen  are living in the afforestation reserve.

An eye witness, (names withheld) said, “it was rainy heavily on Friday when they carried out the operation. They were shooting sporadically and blocked the highway.

“These herdsmen  do rape and attack our people at will. And the police have been trying their best, but they need to improve on it.

“They have raped women on several occasions. They live in the reserve.

 “We are calling on government at all levels to provide adequate security for the people especially those in Kajola community and its environs. This area has always been a place of concern in terms of security challenge,” she lamented.

She, therefore, urged government to support local security groups in combating criminal activities in the society.

Also another resident of the community revealed,  “The Fulani herdsmen  always carry out banditry on the Lagos highway either early in the morning or late in the evening.

“The policemen posted to mile 49 from Igbotako were able to  rescue  some travellers, while they were trying to kidnap them.

“They  were up to  sixty Fulani men, and each one of them carried either cartridge gun or AK 47, and other dangerous weapons.

‘Not too long ago,  through the efforts of  youths in this town and the assistance of the policemen, we overpowered one of the bandits and handed  him over to the DPO Igbotako divisional police headquarters .

“The suspect caught that day was a Fulani extraction, and he revealed that their sponsors are based  in Lagos.”

Meanwhile,  the Caretaker Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, Mrs Margaret Akinsuroju, has urged people to be vigilant and always report any strange movement to the security agencies.

She made the appeal when she visited the spot where Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural groups, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, was shot dead by gunmen in company of the state Police Commissioner, Undie Adie and Ore Area Commander, Olusegun Ajamolaya.

It was reported that the woman was hit in her vehicle  by the stray bullet fired by the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen who blocked the Kajola-Ore road and fired shots sporadically.

Akinsuroju, who strongly condemned the killing and the attack, tasked the security agents to fish out those responsible for the crime.

She charged traditional rulers in the area to take security of their domains seriously, restating  government commitment to ensure security of lives and property of the people of Odigbo through the cooperation and support of the traditional rulers and people of the council.

“It is an unfortunate killing and I condemn it. There was still a woman and her little kid in the police station on Saturday, whose husband was kidnapped and up till now, nothing has been heard. The attack is uncalled for, because Ore comprises many tribes and we have been living in peace.

“The police are in charge and I am sure, they will bring them to book soonest. Through everybody’s cooperation, support and prayers, we shall continue to improve the peaceful coexistence and provide adequate security.”

The council boss, however, led the local government delegation to the residence of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure on a condolence visit on Saturday, while sympathizing with the Afenifere leader, she said the news of the death was shocking and prayed God to give baba and the family the grace to bear the lost.

Meanwhile the Police boss, Undie Adie said that the visit became imperative in order to know and partner with different interest groups to fish out the killers and curb incessant cases of killings and  abduction in the area including the state in general.