Herders graze on 30 hectares of Cassava farm in Ondo, destroy farm produce

BOLU OLU ESHO FROM INDEPENDENT NG

The owner of the farm, the immediate past National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) (South-West), was said to be shocked and near tears when he saw the magnitude of the destruction on the farm.

According to the Ariyo, the footprints of the cattle and the herders on the farm gave them away, adding that he had reported the incident to the headquarters of Amotekun in Ifedore local government.

He disclosed that the health of his boss was immediately affected by the development, saying ” the cows have turned the 30 hectares of land into a grazing field.

“The herdsmen destroyed the entire farm and destroyed our means of survival.

“I was dazed when I got to the farm and saw the destruction and I had to call my master to inform him. He was devastated by the news.

“The incident has been reported to the office of the Amotekun Corps.” 

However, the PDP chieftain and a prominent personality in the state have written to the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, informing him about the unfortunate development.

He stated that his 30-hectare cassava farm was under the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre in Igbaraoke which was destroyed by herdsmen. 

The letter was addressed to the governor, Olafeso copied to the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Akeredolu on Agric and Agribusiness, Mr Akin Olotu and the Commander of Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.

The letter reads inter alia: “We arrived at our farm in Igbara-Oke this morning, 11th January 2023 to witness the destruction of our cassava farm by herdsmen. 

“I went to inspect our farm on the 23rd of December,  2022 after we completed the wedding of the entire plantation. We were expectant of good harvest but between Christmas and New Year, our farm has been plundered. 

“The pain inflicted on the family and the millions of naira lost can only be imagined. Our sweat for over one year was taken away just like that. 

“Your Excellency,  this case was reported to the Amotekun station at Igbara-Oke this morning. These evil herdsmen must be brought to book, otherwise, the effect of this insanity will shake the state to its foundation.”