One dies, business grounded as Ogun hunters, herders clash

A clash between some hunters and herders in the Iwoye-Ketu community in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday left one yet-to-be-identified person dead.

This is just as business activities were grounded as a result of the tension that followed the clash.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a resident of the community who pleaded anonymity because he was not permitted to speak that there had been cases of kidnapping for ransom suspected to be perpetrated by Fulani herders.

He added that to address the incessant kidnapping, hunters in the area began a routine patrol of the community to ensure security.

The situation however took a new turn on Monday when some suspected herders attacked the hunters and killed one of them which led to palpable tension in the community.

The ensuing tension led members of the community to desert the market with the majority of residents staying indoors to avoid being caught in the fracas.

He narrated, “The issue started when we began to experience cases of kidnapping. One person was kidnapped some weeks ago and the abductors who were suspected Fulani herdsmen, collected the sum of N500,000 before releasing the victim. Last week, two siblings were kidnapped again and the abductors collected N1m before releasing the siblings.

“It was this kidnapping issue that led the hunters to begin a routine patrol in the area but yesterday (Monday) one of the hunters was attacked by the Fulani herders and they killed him which got members of the community angry.

“Because of the tension that followed the death of the hunter, many residents deserted the market for fear of being caught in the crisis that may ensue. It was the presence of police and soldiers that brought the situation under control.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, was unavailable for comment as her line was not connecting as of the time of filling this report.

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