A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has raised concerns over the invasion of Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities within the Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State by armed herdsmen.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Olamilekan Olusada, in Ibadan, the state capital, Akande-Sadipe alleged that the herdsmen have been destroying crops, intimidating local farmers, and using weapons such as guns and cutlasses to instil fear among residents.
She warned that the actions of the herdsmen have severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers, worsening the region’s economic challenges and contributing to food insecurity.
The lawmaker highlighted that she had brought the issue to the floor of the House earlier in the week through a motion on the urgent need to prevent further loss of lives, as well as humanitarian and food security crises caused by the invasion of farmlands by armed herdsmen in the Oluyole Federal Constituency.
Akande-Sadipe urged relevant federal authorities and security agencies to intervene swiftly to prevent the displacement of residents from their ancestral homes. She expressed frustration that despite numerous reports to law enforcement agencies, no decisive action has been taken to address the situation, leaving farmers exposed and defenceless.
The parliamentarian called for an immediate investigation into the reported cases of intimidation, destruction of farmlands, and the use of weapons by herdsmen in the area. She also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible to deter further incidents.
Additionally, Akande-Sadipe appealed to the House to urge the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide immediate relief materials and support to affected farmers and communities. This, she said, would help mitigate the impact of the crisis on their livelihoods, enable them to recover from their losses, and resume farming activities.
She further requested an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding areas, as well as engagement with relevant stakeholders, including the state government, security agencies, and community leaders, to develop a sustainable solution to the crisis.
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