Ogun Police Quash Viral Rumors of Imminent Herdsmen Attack
The Ogun State Police Command has moved decisively to counter a widely circulated social media video that alleged armed herdsmen were preparing to launch a deadly assault on the Ajebo community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. In an official statement released on Friday, November 21, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, provided crucial clarifications to calm public fears.
Police Investigation and Community Findings
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, a tactical team was immediately deployed to the Ajebo area to assess the security situation. The police conducted a thorough sweep of the settlement. The investigation revealed no arms or any signs of suspicious activity. Instead, officers found women and children in temporary shelters, with the adult men reportedly away in Oyo State for their routine trading activities.
Contrary to the alarming claims made in the viral post by an X user, @GeorgeOha34227, which garnered over 3.6 million views, the police confirmed that the Fulani settlers are not hostile migrants but long-standing residents who have lived peacefully within the community for years. The operation further verified the existence of an extended Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlement that has been in that location for over a decade.
Broader Context of Herder-Farmer Clashes
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between nomadic herders and farming communities in various parts of Nigeria. Since 2019, such clashes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Research from SBM Intelligence indicates that more than 500 people have been killed and over 2.2 million displaced due to these conflicts. While often framed in ethnoreligious terms, analysts frequently point to climate change and competition for dwindling pastoral land as the root causes, affecting communities across different faiths.
In a related development, the Ogun police are also investigating a separate case of arson in which herders were accused of burning a cassava farm valued at N27 million in Adao village near Abeokuta. That case has been transferred to a specialized section for further inquiry and legal action.
To provide further clarity, the police command has invited the community's traditional ruler, Oba Rueben Oluwole, who is said to have authorized the original land allocation to the settlers, for discussions. The police continue to maintain a presence in the area to ensure peace and security.
