Ogun journalist petitions CP Bankole Over Destruction of farmland by herdsmen

Fatai Ilyas, a reporter with PLATFORM TIMES Newspaper has petitioned the Ogun state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole over invasion of his farmland by some suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Ilyas in the petition dated 21st October, 2021 lamented that the suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded his six acres vegetables farm situated at Awowo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

The thirty-three-year old graduate said the money used in planting the vegetable farms was about six hundred thousand naira with expected returns of one million and eight hundred thousand naira. 

The PLATFORM TIMES journalist said he was devastated by the level of destruction caused by the cows as the entire vegetation had been reportedly wiped out with all the heaps leveled beyond recognition.

Part of the petition reads, "I had my Youth Service in Zamfara State, and searched for job for more than three years without getting any. So, I decided to take farming to maintain myself and family in line with Federal and State Government Campaign for youth participation in Agriculture for Advancement of Individual and National Economy.

"However, on the 1st of October, 2021, I received a call from my partner, Mr. Oluwanifemi Olawale that some suspected Fulani herdsmen had invaded our six (6) acres vegetables farm, situated at Awowo in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, which had gulped more than Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000.00) with expected returns of One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira.

"On immediate inspection, I was devastated by the level of destruction caused by the cows under the command of the herders.

"As I write the petition, the entire vegetation had been wiped out with all the heaps leveled beyond recognition.

"I subsequently lodged a formal complaint at Obada-Oko police station and my statement was obtained by Inspector Adamu. I have visited the station on two other occasions without any tangible news of arrest of the culprits, which makes me sadder by the day. 

"I therefore demand that an action is taken to track the herdsmen and bring them to justice."