Falae: Yoruba Youths protest activities of Fulani herdsmen in Ondo

A group, Akure Youth Coalition, yesterday protested activities of Fulani herdsmen in
Akure, following the abduction of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Olu Falae.

The youths, who are from Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore and Idanre local government areas, converged on Akure Town Hall and marched to the Deji’s palace and Ondo State House of Assembly.

President of the coalition, Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, said it was important for them to express their dissatisfaction over the threats of Fulani herdsmen in the state capital and its environs.

He noted that the herdsmen had continued to harass and intimidate people on their farmland with their cattle fiercely entering into farmlands.

He said: “We are mindful of the fact that any Nigerian is guaranteed the freedom to live in any part of the country as enshrined in Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“We are, however, quick to state that this does not confer on them the right to intimidate and violate the right of their host communities.” Oluwatuyi recalled that Falae had sometimes ago reported the case of theft and wilful destruction of his farmland by Fulani herdsmen to the state police command.

He said the police intervened and the matter was resolved as the herdsmen pledged not to encroach his farm again, adding, however, that there was a subtle threat from some disgruntled herdsmen who threatened to pay back Falae for daring them.

Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, lauded the youths for their high sense of maturity during and after Falae’s abduction, saying they averted what would have led to widespread ethnic crisis.