Herdsmen, Farmers, Others Take Traditional Oath In Ekiti To End Crisis

Herdsmen to illustrate the story

As part of the efforts to combat the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, herdsmen and other stakeholders in Ekiti State have taken a traditional oath to enable peaceful coexistence in the host communities.

The traditional oath was administered by the Sarkin Fulano of Kwara State, Alhaji Ardo Mairero, at a peace meeting with herdsmen, farmers and all relevant stakeholders in the state.

The oath was revealed to be binding on the initiators to ensure that killing, robbery and damaging of farms and other menace perpetrated by herdsmen are rid of in the state.

This was contained in a communiqué, co-signed by governor Fayose, Alhaji Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, Mrs. Alade, Alhaji Kiruwa and others, released through the office of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayose, Mr. Idowu Adelusi.

Adelusi said, “Of most significance of the peace meeting of February 19 by the stakeholders was the traditional oath taken with kola nuts as agreement that the herdsmen in Ekiti will not behave unruly any longer, kill or allow their cows to stray into farms.”

“It was administered with kola and sharing of the kola, which is a Fulani tradition that is binding on the initiators. With this oath, issues of robbery, killing, damaging of farms and kidnapping among others being allegedly perpetuated by herders are over in the state. The meeting and signing of the memorandum by all parties lasted for two hours between 11pm on Monday 19 to 1am of Tuesday, February 20.”

He added, “A truce meeting, initiated by the Emir of Kano and the Governor of Ekiti State over pastoralists menace was held on Monday, February 19.

“The representative of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, conveyed the concern of the Emir over broken down relationship between herdsmen and host communities that has led to loss of lives in Ekiti State and other parts of the country.

“The Emir commiserated with the families of those whose lives have been cut short due to the attacks and reprisals of herders and associated consequences.”

“Similarly, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and patrons condemned in strong terms any form if killing that has taken place.”

The communique also stated that “herdsmen must stop attacks on any member of the host communities, any herder that breaches the peace should be prepared to face the wrath of the law, and Ekiti people should not provoke the herdsman or kill their cattle.”

“Pastoralists/farmers crisis and killings, under any guise must stop immediately. The meeting supports the anti-night grazing stand of the law because it protects the interest of all parties, and the law taken its course in the violation of letters of these resolutions,” it added.

Present at the meeting are: Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, who represented the Emir of Kano; Alhaji Mohammad Leewa,  National President, Miyetti Allah, Mohammad Kiruwa, Governor Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti Deputy Governor, Olusola Kolapo; Secretary to State Government, Modupe Alade; Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo; Agriculture Commissioner, Kehinde Odebunmi and other national and zonal Miyetti Allah leaders.