Suspected Fulani herders have allegedly killed a 47-year-old farmer and community chief in Asa Village, Okelade area of Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, while the Olubadan of Ibadanland has summoned the Commissioner of Police over the incident . The victim, identified as Chief Mutairu Oladosu, Otun Balogun of Oluode Okelade, was reportedly murdered while working on his tomato farm, with eyewitnesses stating that the suspected herders invaded the farm in large numbers accompanied by over 300 cattle and launched an unprovoked attack . The deceased, who was on the farm with one of his daughters, was said to have been overpowered by the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons . The incident occurred last Friday, sparking tension and fear among residents of the agrarian community .
Confirming the incident, the Okelade Okin of Okelade, Oba Wahab Olabamiji, stated that the attack was carried out by three suspected Fulani herders, adding that one of the suspects had been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation . The monarch led a delegation of community leaders to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to formally report the killing and seek royal intervention . Oba Olabamiji lamented that herders have become a source of threat to dwellers in the area, stating: “The people in the area can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed again because of the fear of the herders. Last Friday, Oladosu was hacked to death by the suspected herders while working on his tomato farm” . He added that he prevailed on his people not to allow the incident to snowball into a major crisis, expressing gratitude for the timely intervention of the Olubadan .
Oba Ladoja confirmed that he was informed of the attack through the leadership of the community and has invited the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, to the palace over the incident . The Olubadan revealed that the police boss confirmed that one of the suspects is in custody while others are being sought . “The CP gave assurance that the matter will be duly investigated and that justice will be served on whoever is found guilty of the killing,” Oba Ladoja stated . The monarch also said the police commissioner vowed that such an incident would not recur and that all those involved would be arrested and prosecuted .
