Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, a member of the House of Representatives, has raised an urgent alarm over the invasion of armed herdsmen in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities within the Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State. The lawmaker claims that the herdsmen are wreaking havoc by destroying crops, intimidating local farmers, and terrorizing residents with guns and knives.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Olamilekan Olusada, Akande-Sadipe revealed that the destruction of farmlands has left many local farmers in distress, worsening the region’s economic struggles and heightening food insecurity. The lawmaker expressed concern that these acts of violence are jeopardizing the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture.
Earlier this week, Akande-Sadipe raised the issue on the floor of the House of Representatives, stressing the urgent need to avert further loss of lives and mitigate the humanitarian and food security crises caused by the invasion. She has now called for immediate intervention from the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent the further displacement of residents from their ancestral homes.
Despite numerous reports to law enforcement agencies, the parliamentarian lamented the lack of decisive action to protect farmers and communities, which has only emboldened the attackers. She warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to even more devastating consequences, including the escalation of violence and destruction.
Akande-Sadipe called for an immediate investigation into the reported incidents of intimidation, crop destruction, and weapon use by the herdsmen. She demanded that the perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted to deter others from engaging in similar crimes.
Furthermore, the lawmaker urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide immediate relief materials to affected farmers and communities. This support would help mitigate the crisis’s impact, assist in recovery from financial losses, and enable local farmers to resume agricultural activities.
Akande-Sadipe also called for a swift on-the-ground assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and neighboring areas. She emphasized the need for collaboration with state government officials, security agencies, and community leaders to develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of the crisis and ensure lasting peace and stability for the affected communities.
