Insecurity: Ogbomoso Communities Issue 48-Hour Ultimatum to Herdsmen Over Security Threats

…Residents cite recent kidnapping cases, destruction of farms, and environmental nuisance

…Traditional rulers, community leaders back decision after security meeting with police

Leaders and residents of eight communities in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of Oyo State have issued a two-day ultimatum to herdsmen whose cattle have been constituting security threats, demanding they vacate the area immediately.

The ultimatum, which expires on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, came after a Monday meeting attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, and representatives of the herdsmen.

The community leaders explained that the ultimatum became necessary due to recent security lapses in parts of Ogbomoso geopolitical zone. According to reports, several kidnapping cases have been reported in Oloka village, one of the communities in the area.

Another recent incident involved the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in some communities in Oriire Local Government Area, further heightening security anxieties across the region.

The affected communities, located in the Samaday area, include:

• Ibapon Are Oluwamodupe

• Ayedire

• Mercy Land

• Estate

• Irewolede

• Ona Igbala

• Ifesowapo

• Grace Land

The ultimatum was issued during a meeting attended by community leaders, including Baale Ibapon, Ashifat Akanji; Chairman of Ogbomoso Parapo (home headquarters), Prince Aderemi Olude; Seriki Fulani Ibapon, Alhaji Idowu; and other leaders of the affected communities.

While issuing the ultimatum on behalf of the communities, Ashifat Akanji advised the herdsmen to comply immediately, stating that the community has no relationship with the strange herders.

“We are declaring today, Monday, August 10, 2026, that they must leave within 48 hours in the name of myself, the communities’ leaders, the Seriki Fulani in Ibapon (Idowu), and Ogbomoso Parapo,” Akanji said in a statement on Tuesday.

He clarified that the community has long-standing relationships with Fulani residents who have lived among them peacefully and have been issued identification cards.

“We don’t know them. We have Fulanis who have been living with us here, whose head is Idowu, whom we issued ID cards. But these ones, we are unfamiliar with them.”

Akanji further noted that a recent security meeting with the Commissioner of Police sternly warned residents to be wary of strangers in their midst.

“We don’t cause trouble and we abide by the law, but we won’t wait till evil befalls us before we take action,” he added.

Chairman of the eight communities, Mr. Alagbe Oyebamiji, disclosed that the strange herders had become a menace, causing significant damage to the area.

“Their livestock destroys our farms, damages our septic tanks (soak away), defecates on the roads—which can cause accidents and transmit diseases—and menaces us with stench, messing up the whole area,” Oyebamiji explained.

He added that the community had previously reported the matter to law enforcement agents, who drove the herders away, but they later returned, prompting the community to involve Ogbomoso Parapo in finding a lasting solution.

Prince Aderemi Olude, Chairman of Ogbomoso Parapo, noted that the ultimatum was issued to ensure the security of lives and properties in the affected communities.

“When we heard of the matter that the herders had constituted themselves into a nuisance and a security threat, we intervened,” Olude said.

He explained that the herders initially claimed Baale Ibapon had permitted them to occupy the area, but the royal father denied the claim. They then said Seriki Fulani in the area, Idowu, had given them permission, but he also denied it.

“So, we convened a broad-based meeting this morning, and after the meeting, we gave them 48 hours to vacate the place, after which we would take steps according to the law,” Olude stated.

He added: “That is what security agencies have been preaching—to speak out when we see something strange that could pose a security challenge.”

As the 48-hour ultimatum expires, all eyes are on the affected communities to see whether the herdsmen will comply or if further actions will be taken. The situation underscores the growing tensions between farming communities and herders in parts of Oyo State, as well as the broader security challenges facing the region.