The Ondo State chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, has declared that farmer-herder clashes, once a major security concern across the state, have now been brought under full control.
Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, made this known while speaking on the achievements of the agency since its inception.
He revealed that the security outfit’s strategic enforcement of the anti-open grazing law and intensive sensitisation efforts were central to curbing the once-persistent conflict.
“This was one of the most daunting challenges we faced when we began,” Adeleye said. “But through consistent enforcement and educating both parties on their boundaries, we’ve succeeded in restoring peace.”
According to him, within the first three years of Amotekun’s operations, 170 herders were arrested for flouting the state’s anti-open grazing law, while over 10,000 cows were seized from unauthorized grazing routes and farmlands.
The commander explained that the clashes had previously led to tragic losses — in both lives and agricultural produce — with farmers abandoning their lands due to fear of attack or abduction.
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“Farmlands became battle zones. People couldn’t go back to their farms. It was a serious threat to food production,” he recounted.
“But we tackled the problem head-on, beginning with mass education for both farmers and herders. It wasn’t easy, but within a year, normalcy was gradually restored.”
Adeleye added that the decline in violence has helped ease the state’s food insecurity issues, allowing agricultural activities to resume fully in previously volatile areas.
He reaffirmed Amotekun’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in rural communities, noting that continued community engagement and vigilance remain key to preventing a recurrence.