Tension in Ogun over alleged destruction of cassava farm by herders

Tension in Ogun over alleged destruction of cassava farm by herders

Operatives of Ogun Police Command are investigating a case of arson and property destruction after herders allegedly set a 35-acre cassava farm ablaze in Adao via Alabata Village of Odeda Local Government Area of the state.

A farmer identified as Ogunbayo Adewale who is the owner of the farm reported the incident, estimating damages caused by the herders at his farm at ₦27.3 million.

The farmer from Raka Village had reported that on February 20, 2025 upon visiting his 35-acre cassava farmland on February 19, 2025, at about 16:40 hours, he discovered that the farmland had been set ablaze.

He added that some herds of cattle were seen grazing on the farm, and many cassava plants had already been uprooted.

According to the complainant, upon sighting him, the herders commanded the cattle to flee, but he managed to apprehend one of the cows, which he brought to the police station as evidence.

In response to the report, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony immediately said it has deployed grassroots policing strategies to calm rising tensions and prevent a potential tribal conflict.

“Preliminary investigations commenced immediately, leading to the identification of the owner of the seized cow. The complainant has estimated the damage to his farmland at Twenty-Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦27,300,000).

“To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case has been transferred to the Surveillance Section for further inquiries and necessary legal action.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging calm to prevent further conflict,” the command said.