By Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
The gale of kidnapping and other forms criminalities in the South Western states and alleged migrations of Fulani herders to Kwara has attracted red the attention of the state government.
Government at the weekend held a meeting with leaders of Miyetti Allah; the known official Of fulanis, security agencies and Local Governments’ Directors Of Personnel Management (DPMs) now holding sway in the council areas.
An official statement to this effect was issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Mamman Sabbah Jibril in which he urged citizens of the state because of the heavy movement of herders into the state particularly, from the South West to go about their lawful business in peace and to live in harmony with one another.
He said measures had been put in place to prevent any crisis between host communities and herders in the state.
The statement read: “In the light of some unfortunate developments in some neighbouring states, we urge our people not to entertain any fear as proactive measures have been, and are still being taken, to maintain peace and ensure security of lives and properties of every resident.
“The government is working with all the security agencies, directors of personnel management (DPMs) and the leadership of Miyetti Allah to strengthen the existing peace between various economic interests,” according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government Prof Mamman Sabbah Jubril.
“At the instance of His Excellency the Governor of Kwara State, the Office of the SSG has held briefings with various stakeholders across the state on the need to ensure that all hands are on deck to protect lives and properties.
“The leadership of Miyetti Allah has also committed to disallow night grazing or cattle grazing by underage persons. Assisted by the security agencies, the DPMs across the 16 local government areas have been directed to work with local communities and legitimate herders to keep the peace.
“We therefore urge everyone to key into this peace building process and to avoid taking laws into their own hands or engage in activities that can undermine peaceful coexistence.”
The influx of strange Fulanis in trucks into rural communities in Kwara State lately in the wee hours of the night had become serious concerns and fears into residents of these sleepy towns and villages.
This reporter was told that their large numbers have suddenly created a settlement for themselves between Ajase Ipo and Igbaja, both in Irepodun and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the state without the consent of the people.
The story is the same in virtually all the communities in the hinterland where villagers are allegedly forced to play host to Fulani guests without the consent of the hosts and that they often come in the night.