The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday held a security consultation and stakeholders’ meeting with farmers and herders in the Odeda Local Government Area of the state.
Media Talk Africa reports that the meeting was a response to incessant reports of crop destruction and cattle killings in Olugbo and adjoining villages in the local government.
According to a statement signed by the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, and made available to Media Talk Africa on Wednesday, the meeting—held on the directive of Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo—was aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent hostility and promote peaceful coexistence.
Recall that on January 15, 2025, a 30-year-old man identified as Samuel Egbetokun was arrested for allegedly poisoning cows in the Alabata community of the local government area.
The suspect reportedly laced cassava with rat poison and tossed it to the cows while they were grazing. Two out of three cows died after consuming it.
Similarly, a farmer named Ismail Apitipiti was arrested for allegedly attacking a herdsman and inflicting a deep machete cut on one of his cattle.
Odutola noted that at the meeting, held at the Olugbo police outstation, all ethnic groups agreed to prevail on their followers to embrace peace and tolerate one another.
She added that community members were urged to report disputes promptly to the police or nearby quasi-security outfits before such disputes escalate.
Part of the statement reads: “Following a directive from CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to engage various ethnic nationalities residing in these villages, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent hostility and promote peaceful coexistence.
“All ethnic groups agreed to prevail on their followers to embrace peace and tolerate one another. Community members were urged to report disputes promptly to the police or nearby quasi-security outfits before escalation.
“The police assured all parties of their commitment to swift intervention in any emerging disputes to prevent violence, and the stakeholders pledged their full cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region,” the statement added.
The meeting had in attendance representatives from the Odeda PCRC Coordinator, Chairman Hunters, traditional leaders, Igede Farmers Group representatives, Igbo Group representatives, and Fulani/Herders representatives.
Others included youth leaders from neighboring villages such as Lufodo Village, Baale Village, Arege Village, members of the Agbekoya Group, Vigilante Group, local hunters, and other security outfits.
