Fulani herdsmen live in fear in Ekiti after Fayose tells local people to poison streams

FULANI cattle herders are living in fear across Ekiti State after Governor Ayo Fayose threatened that their herds could be killed by local people who might poison streams and water supplies across the state to protect themselves.

 

Over recent months, Fulani cattle herders have been involved in incessant clashes with farming communities across Nigeria as disputes over grazing rights and crop destruction has led to violent confrontations. Last week, things came to a head when herders carried out a brutal and gruesome attack in Enugu State which left 48 people dead.

 

Following the attack, several states decided to establish vigilante groups to protect their communities, while others asked the herders to vacate their land. In Ekiti State, Governor Fayose said local farmers may have to resort to poisoning streams to kills cattle in a bid to keep the herders at bay.

 

Unhappy with the governor's directive, Fulani cattle-rearers in the state have resolved to take their case to the Council of Traditional Rulers. Next week, the herders intend to lodge a formal complaint with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, over the dangers inherent in Governor Fayose's comments.

 

Other Ekiti traditional rulers, the herdsmen intend to meet with include the chairman of the state traditional council the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Samuel Oyebade. According to one Fulani spokesman, the statement credited to the governor could spark a crisis between them and the farmers.

 

He added: “What many people don’t know is that there is a difference between Fulani and Bororo. We have been in Ado for long doing our businesses and I don’t think any of us could resort to killing of our hosts, what for?"

 

According to the Fulani herdsmen's spokesman, their members are now living in palpable fear because anything could happen to them and their herds since the governor has said he had issued directives to people to poison their water if they notice any untoward attitude from the Fulani herdsmen. He added that all they wanted to do was live in peace with their hosts.