Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the presidency’s response to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s move to evict Fulani herdsmen from forests in Ondo State.

Following the high rate of criminalities which come in form of kidnappings, raping of women and killings allegedly being committed by criminals hiding in forests across Ondo State, Governor Akeredolu had given herdsmen a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the areas.

But in a swift reaction, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria cried out over the governor’s directive leading to Presidency’s statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, cautioning Akeredolu against the move, saying the herders cannot leave the forests for any reason.

And Kanu feels that it is now clear to all and sundry, especially the Yoruba, that Fulani grand stratagem is to use the herdsmen from all across the Sahel to conquer lands in the entire South.

“Is it not clear now to all and sundry, especially my Yoruba brethren, that Fulani grand stratagem is to use Fulani herdsmen terrorists from all across the Sahel to conquer our ancestral lands in the entire South, thereby turning the whole of #Nigeria into an almighty Fulani caliphate as #IPOB has been warning for years?

“In their ignorance, some ignorant Yoruba Fulanised commentators and journalists called us all manner of unprintable names just because we saw what they were unable to see many years back.

“Little did [some] few misguided individuals, know that Fulani terrorists in Aso Rock saw IPOB as the only credible obstacle on their path to the total conquest of the entire South.

“Today my Yoruba friends are feeling the full impact of true janjaweed intentions of this Fulani presidency on their lives,” he wrote.

Ondo farmers, forest guards, drivers protest, back Akeredolu

Earlier, Scores of farmers, forest guards and the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Ondo State have staged a protest against the incessant abduction of their members allegedly by some gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.

The protesters also said they were in support of the order of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to eject the herdsmen from all the forest reserves in the state.

They said they threw their weight behind the Akeredolu’s order as it was made in the interest of the security of lives and properties of the people of the state.

The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, said if the current state of insecurity was not quickly checked, it might lead to chaos and famine in the state

The Governor, who gave the order in a statement issued on his official Twitter handle on Monday, said the forests have been turned into a place for felons to carry out their criminal activities.

He said, “All Forest Reserves in the state are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January 2021.

“Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.

“Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.

“Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.

“Our resolution to guarantee the safety of lives and property within the state shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban.

“In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities.”

You have failed, allow governors act – Gani Adams tackles Buhari

‘Pointing another finger’ on Wednesday, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, criticized the presidency’s reaction to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu order to Fulani herdsmen.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had failed to protect the people and should allow governors take charge.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adams said as the chief security officer of the state, the governor had the duty to protect the lives and property.

The Yoruba leader called Garba Shehu’s reaction, a threat to the sanctity of Ondo and a deliberate attempt to work against the state.

He maintained that the reserved forest was under the jurisdiction of the state government.

“Garba Shehu/Presidency apparently doesn’t know the meaning of a reserved forest. It’s not accessible except to authorized personnel/loggers. Apart from the place being a place for valued cash trees, it’s also meant as a haven of safety for protected animals against poachers.”

Adams noted that the herdsmen living in the forest are not only unauthorized, they would likely cut down trees to make fires and must also kill animals for food”.

“A reserved forest is not a place of residence for anyone, not even Ondo indigenes or farmers. It is most unfortunate that such a statement is coming directly from the presidency, which according to the constitution, has the prerogative to protect the people.”

He accused the Buhari administration of planning to foil the plan of the Ondo government to get rid of the bad elements masquerading as herders and pastoralists.

Adams cited security instances or killings, kidnappings and robberies.

“The governor’s convoy was attacked on two occasions. Two prominent Obas have been kidnapped. A first class monarch was killed by bandits masquerading as Fulani herdsmen. A university lecturer was abducted. The daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti was murdered. Chief Olu Falae’s farm was invaded on four occasions, leading to the death of one of our members, a security man.”

The high chief insisted that the governor’s decision is in the right direction and in the interest of the state.

Adams appealed to the Yoruba to support Southwest governors in their fight against insurgency across the region.

Daily Post/Punch