The Okun Development Association (ODA), a socio-cultural organization representing the Okun people in Kogi State, has vehemently condemned the recent attacks on farmlands by cattle belonging to Fulani herdsmen.
The National Publicity Secretary of ODA, Dayo Thomas, expressed the group’s outrage in a statement released on Saturday, highlighting the severity of the latest incident that occurred in Egbe Town, within the Yagba West Senatorial district.
A viral video clip circulating on social media depicts acres of cassava farms devastated by uncontrolled cattle, emphasizing the magnitude of the attack.
The ODA warned that such destructive actions could further harm the already struggling local economy, despite ongoing efforts by the government and the community to find long-term solutions to the persistent conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the state.
Thomas pointed out the recent increase in food prices as a clear indication of the escalating activities of herdsmen. He expressed dismay that affected farmers are increasingly falling into depression, poverty, and hopelessness as these attacks become more frequent and severe.
“The farmers remain in a state of panic after the incident. They are afraid to return to their farms due to the fear of physical attacks,” the statement added.
The ODA emphasized that the unrestrained actions of the herdsmen have caused unprecedented hyper-inflationary pressures on the community.
Thomas called on relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent further destruction of farms and alleviate the torment being experienced by local farmers.
