A bloody confrontation occurred in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, between the state's security outfit, Amotekun, and a group of Fulani herdsmen, resulting in multiple injuries.
A weekend confrontation between Amotekun security personnel and Fulani herdsmen in Akure, Ondo State, resulted in serious injuries on both sides.
Amotekun security personnel were attacked in the Igoba area of Ondo State while enforcing the state's anti-open grazing law.
Amotekun personnel arrested over 120 cows and their herders for illegal grazing and destroying tomato farms valued at millions of naira in Igoba town, Akure North council area.
Reports had it that the farmers in the area had been complaining about the herders grazing on their farms.
Following a distress call from a local tomato farmer, Amotekun security personnel responded promptly and arrested the cows and herders.
Fulani herdsmen attacked Amotekun personnel while they were transporting arrested herders and cows to their office.
The confrontation resulted in injuries on both sides.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of Amotekun, revealed that his officers were attacked with stones, bottles, daggers, and guns, resulting in several injuries.
According to a statement by Jimoh Adeniken, spokesperson for Amotekun, the personnel were attacked while enforcing the anti-open-grazing law of the state.
Herdsmen attacked Amotekun personnel, throwing stones and bottles. They hacked one officer to the point of coma while trying to disarm the Amotekun corps.
The officers of the Amotekun Corps fired shots into the air to disperse the attackers and retreated back to their offices.
Several Amotekun officers were injured in the attack, sustaining varying degrees of harm. They are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
The owners of the cows involved in the incident have been identified, and the Amotekun Corps is continuing its investigation.
The government has pledged to vigorously pursue, through lawful means, the enforcement of the law to ensure that farmers' efforts are not undermined by herders and their cattle destroying their farmlands.