Police reveal findings on alleged plot by herdsmen to attack Ogun community

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Police have dismissed claim of imminent attack on Ajebo community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government of Ogun State by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The rumour of the imminent attack followed a viral video circulating on social media that the herdsmen in the community are preparing to unleash violence on their host.

However, Ogun Commissioner of CP Lanre Ogunlowo, deployed the Command’s tactical team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to assess security situation in the area following the rumour, according to a statement by the state command.

The Police operatives, in conjunction with Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), local hunters and Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) undertook thorough intelligence-led assessment in and around Ajebo community.

“The operatives discovered the Fulani settlers in Ajebo are not hostile migrants but long-standing residents, living peacefully within the community.

“Children and women were seen in their temporary shelters but no arms or suspicious activities were detected.

“No adult male was present. The men had travelled to Oyo State for trading activities, which is consistent with their routine economic pattern. A further sweep of the settlement revealed an extended RUGA location that has reportedly been in existence for over ten years”

However, the Police Command said the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Rueben Oluwole, who is said to have authorized the allocation of land to the Fulani settlers, has been invited for clarification.

The Police added that the Baale of Alapako, where another cluster of Fulani huts were identified, has also been invited for a meeting with the Commissioner of Police.

“The combined team of security agencies is maintaining surveillance within the forest area, approximately 10km from the main community. Their presence is strictly precautionary, as the settlers were found to be unarmed and living peacefully.

“The Ogun State Police Command reassures members of the public that proactive intelligence measures remain fully in place, and citizens are advised to remain calm, vigilant, and to avoid sharing unverified information capable of inciting fear,” the police said in the statement.