Suspected armed herders have allegedly taken over Asa village, Okelade, in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State and killed a 47-year-old Otun Balogun of Oluode Okelade, Chief Mutairu Oladosu, while he was working on his tomato farm.
Witnesses told The PUNCH on Monday that the attackers invaded the farm in large numbers with over 300 cattle and launched an unprovoked attack on the victim.
Confirming the incident in Ibadan, the state capital, the Okelade of Okelade, Oba Wahab Olabamiji, said the deceased, who was working on his farmland with one of his daughters, was overpowered by the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons.
He added that one of the suspects had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
“We are at the Palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland to inform Oba Rashidi Ladoja about what is going on in our various communities in Ido Local Government Area.
“The herders are not only grazing on our farms, but they have also become a source of threat to the dwellers.
“The people in the area can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed again because of the fear of these marauders.
“Last Friday, Oladosu was hacked to death by the suspected herders while working on his tomato farm. I prevailed on my people not to allow the incident to snowball into a major crisis, hence the visit to the Kabiyesi. We are happy with the timely intervention of Oba Ladoja.”
Responding, Oba Ladoja said he was informed of the attack by community leaders.
“I was informed that one Mutairu Oladosu has been murdered by suspected herders in Asa Village in Ido Local Government. I invited the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, to the palace over the incident.
“He confirmed that one of the suspects is in police custody, while others are being sought.
“The CP gave assurance that the matter will be duly investigated and that justice will be served on whoever is found guilty of the killing.”
Ladoja also said the CP assured him that such an incident would not recur and vowed that those involved would be arrested and prosecuted.
