A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has sounded the alarm over the invasion of Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding communities in Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State, by armed herdsmen.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, March 7, 2025, Akande-Sadipe alleged that the herdsmen have been destroying farm produce, intimidating local farmers, and instilling fear in residents by wielding weapons such as guns and cutlasses.
She warned that the attacks have jeopardised the livelihoods of farmers, exacerbating the ongoing economic crisis and worsening food insecurity in the region.
The lawmaker, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly, raised the matter as one of Urgent Public Importance on the floor of the House of Representatives earlier in the week.
She called for immediate intervention from the Federal Government and security agencies before the affected communities suffer further displacement and destruction.
Akande-Sadipe, who also serves as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, accused the armed herdsmen of deliberately targeting farms to weaken local farmers.
She lamented that despite multiple reports to law enforcement agencies, no decisive action has been taken, leaving farmers vulnerable and unprotected.
“The failure to act swiftly has emboldened the perpetrators, leading to increased attacks, destruction of crops, and threats to lives and property, with the risk of further escalation if immediate action is not taken,” she stated.
Recalling the resolution of the Igangan crisis in 2021, where anti-open grazing laws were enforced and security forces deployed to restore peace, Akande-Sadipe urged authorities to take similar decisive measures.
She called for an immediate investigation into the reported cases of farmland destruction, intimidation, and the use of weapons by the herdsmen. Additionally, she demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
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.
She emphasised the need for urgent support to help them recover their losses and resume agricultural activities.
Akande-Sadipe also called for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ogunmakin, Gambari Reserve, and surrounding areas. She urged relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and community leaders, to work together in developing a sustainable solution to the crisis.
The lawmaker’s appeal highlights growing concerns over insecurity in agrarian communities and the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further humanitarian and food security crises in Oyo State.
