Outcry as Alleged Burning of Rice Farm Ravages Saki/Ago Amodu
Ibadanland, Oyo State – Concerned stakeholders, including traditional rulers, chiefs, baales, and prominent figures, expressed deep distress over the reported burning of a 40-hectare rice farm owned by Dammy Farm in Ago-Amodu, Saki area of Oyo State, allegedly by suspected herdsmen.
In a joint statement issued by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, the incident was decried as unfortunate, especially amidst the economic hardships and rising food prices facing Nigerians.
The statement emphasized the recurring nature of herdsmen attacks on farmlands in Ibadanland and its environs, with the recent devastation in Saki/Ago Aare marking a distressing peak.
Urgent appeals were made to government authorities at all levels to swiftly intervene and ensure the perpetrators of this heinous act face justice. The stakeholders insisted on the arrest and prosecution of those responsible as a deterrent to others harboring similar intentions.
The statement recounted the events leading to the destruction, alleging that suspected herdsmen resorted to arson after being denied access to graze the farm. Despite local security and law enforcement efforts to prevent the intrusion, the perpetrators purportedly orchestrated the burning, resulting in the complete destruction of the farm, which was in its harvesting phase.
While condemning the act in the strongest terms, the stakeholders reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law and urged the government to take decisive action to prevent further escalation of tensions. They warned of the potential consequences on food security and agricultural productivity, stressing the need for immediate intervention before the situation deteriorates further.