Leaders and residents of eight communities in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of Oyo State have given a group of unfamiliar herdsmen 48 hours to leave the area over security concerns.
The ultimatum was issued on Monday, August 10, at a meeting involving community leaders, the Seriki Fulani in Ibapon, Alhaji Idowu, and representatives of the affected herders.
The communities, located around the Samaday area, include Ibapon Are Oluwamodupe, Ayedire, Mercy Land, Estate, Irewolede, Ona Igbala, Ifesowapo, and Grace Land.
Community leaders said the decision followed concerns over recent security incidents in the wider Ogbomoso area, including a reported kidnapping in Oloka village.
They also cited the May 15 abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were later rescued by security forces on July 10 after weeks in captivity.
Baale Ibapon, Ashifat Akanji, said the communities were familiar with Fulani residents who had long lived in the area but described the affected group as strangers whose presence had raised concerns.
The chairman of the eight communities, Alagbe Oyebamiji, also accused the herders’ cattle of destroying farms, damaging soakaway systems, and defecating on roads.
Chairman of Ogbomoso Parapo, Prince Aderemi Olude, said the ultimatum was issued after community leaders investigated claims that the herders had permission to settle in the area.
He said both the Baale Ibapon and the local Seriki Fulani denied authorizing the settlement.
Olude said the communities would take lawful action if the herders failed to leave after the 48-hour deadline.
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