A community leader in Ogun State, Toyin Amuzu has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to be pro-active and as a matter of urgency, rally stakeholders, especially security Chiefs in the State to nib in the bud, the menace of Cattle rearers before it degenerates into self-help as witnessed in Oyo State.
Amuzu was reacting in Abeokuta, to the incident of some suspected Fulani herdsmen who reportedly shot a woman, Morenikeji Salami, while going to her site on the Oru-Awa Road in Ijebu-North Local Government Area and the brutality meted out to some residents of Ketu-speaking villages in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, by soldiers who escorted herdsmen to graze in their communities.
He noted that there have been few skirmishes between Fulani Herders and farmers within the State, as well as a great influx of Hausa people, stressing the need for government to be pro-active and ensure they live within the rules and regulations of the areas they have found themselves, as enshrined in the nation's Constitution.
Amuzu charged Abiodun to provide leadership and take seriously the issue of security of lives and property and not wait till it gets out of hands, saying "much is expected from the governor as the Chief Security Officer of the State".
"The bandits are here in Ogun State terrorising our people, they are in Odeda here. Those in government should stop playing politics of receiving favour from Abuja and protect the lives of our people. Anyone who commits any crime should be treated as criminals by Government, leaving out their ethnicity and occupation. Infact reporting them as Fulani or herdsmen is merely vitiating the issue; they are either bandits, armed robbers or kidnappers" he said.
Pointing out that the Seriki Fulani of Oyo State, Saliu Abdulkadir alleged to be an accomplice and a receiver of ransom for kidnapped victims has moved to Ogun State, after the unrest in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Amuzu said it was the responsibility of the State government to put in place security measures that will allay the palpable fears of the people.
He noted that, any Nigerian can live in any part of the country, but advised that it was not out of place for the government to ensure profiling, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring and other security measures.
Amuzu who symphatised with victims of kidnapping, also commiserated with the families of the victims of tanker explosion along the Presidential Boulevard, Kuto axis of Abeokuta metropolis.
He however said banning fuel tankers and articulated vehicles from plying Ogun flyovers as ordered by Governor Dapo Abiodun was mere lip service, without enforcement and putting in place, warning signs and iron barriers that would prevent such vehicles from further using the flyovers.
