OVER 26 FEARED DEAD AS SUSPECTED FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK IBARAPA COMMUNITY IN OYO STATE

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe 

Tragedy struck the Ibarapa area of Oyo State on the night of June 5, 2021, following a deadly attack allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leaving over 26 people reportedly dead, several properties destroyed, and numerous residents displaced.

The attack, which occurred in the Gan Gan area of Ibarapa, reportedly threw the community into mourning and panic as armed attackers invaded residential areas, setting houses, filling stations, and properties belonging to traditional rulers ablaze.

According to residents, the incident was the latest in a series of violent attacks, kidnappings, land disputes, and alleged intimidation that had plagued communities across Ibarapa for several years.

Eyewitnesses alleged that suspected armed herdsmen had repeatedly prevented local farmers from accessing their farmlands, with some reportedly demanding payments before allowing residents to cultivate their crops.

Residents also raised allegations of sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, and the unlawful occupation of farmlands, claiming that the activities of the suspected attackers had created widespread fear and insecurity.

Members of a local youth organisation known as Youth Against Banditry (YAB) accused security agencies of failing to respond adequately to repeated complaints and warnings about the deteriorating security situation.

According to the group, several reports had been made to the police concerning the activities of suspected armed herdsmen, but little or no meaningful intervention had followed.

The youth organisation further alleged that some of the suspected attackers possessed sophisticated weapons that appeared superior to those available to local police officers, making it difficult for residents to defend themselves.

Speaking on the persistent kidnapping incidents, members of YAB claimed that families of abducted victims were often directed to a Fulani leader identified simply as Saliu, who allegedly determined the amount of ransom to be paid before victims could regain their freedom.

These allegations could not be independently verified at the time of this report.

Residents further disclosed that the worsening security situation had prompted appeals to Yoruba rights activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who reportedly visited the area following calls for intervention.

However, according to some residents, the visit did not bring an immediate end to the insecurity affecting the communities.

Following the June 5 attack, several families reportedly fled their homes in fear of further violence, leaving behind their belongings, businesses, and farmlands.

Members of Youth Against Banditry expressed frustration over what they described as years of government neglect and inadequate security intervention.

The group called on the Oyo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible for the killings to justice, and guarantee the safety of displaced residents.

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against the individuals mentioned had not been independently established, and no official police response had been obtained.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the persistent insecurity in Ibarapa and the growing fear among residents who depend on farming and local businesses for their livelihoods.