Villagers Flee as Bandits Overwhelm Amotekun in Parts of Ondo
Residents in some villages of Ondo State are fleeing their homes due to persistent attacks by herdsmen-cum-bandits, leading to disruptions in daily life, business activities, and concerns about the safety of lives and property.
The South Western part of Nigeria has witnessed a surge in attacks, kidnappings, and killings, resulting in the displacement of a significant number of inhabitants. Research indicates that over 4,000 farmers have been killed in the region from 2015 to the present, contributing to the ongoing farmers-herders conflict.
The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data reports that Nigeria has lost at least 8,343 individuals to this conflict since 2005. In response to the escalating crisis, governors of the six South-West states formed the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed ‘Amotekun,’ on January 9, 2020, to address the security challenges in the region.
Despite support from state governments, Amotekun has struggled to counter the persistent attacks from herdsmen. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of Amotekun in overpowering and reclaiming areas dominated by the herdsmen.
In an investigation by The PUNCH, residents shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by Amotekun. A resident named Tinu, who frequents Ifon, described the road as lonely and shared that Amotekun had been overpowered in the area, resulting in the displacement of an entire community.
A monarch, requesting anonymity, revealed the need for extra local security support to assist Amotekun but acknowledged their struggle to keep the herdsmen at bay.
Residents like Joe, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, recounted the powerlessness of Amotekun in certain parts of the state. He mentioned that bandits were terrorizing specific communities, making them no-go areas. Allegations surfaced that Amotekun was instructed to cease fighting the bandits after losing several officers in the conflict.
Farmers have also borne the brunt of the insecurity, facing attacks, destruction of farmlands, and threats to their livelihoods. Femi Adeyele, a farmer with 50 hectares of farmland, shared his ordeal after being attacked by herdsmen who destroyed his cassava plantation. Another farmer, Yele Adaranijo, expressed frustration over constant threats and destruction of crops, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing security crisis in the state.
Credit Punch News