The statement made by Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose calling on farmers in the state to poison their water to ward off invasion by herdsmen has sparked tension among the Fulani residents in the state.
Fayose made the statement on Tuesday while delivering a lecture organized by the Oyo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ibadan, the state capital to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
A member of the Fulani community in the state who spoke in confidence said that his members were shocked by the governor’s comments and have resolved to lodge a complaint with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe.
Also, the Fulani cattle rearers resident in Ekiti who found the remarks “offensive” have resolved to report Fayose to the State Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Oyebade.
The source who pleaded not to be quoted because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the Fulani in Ekiti State described the governor’s comment as “unbecoming” and capable of creating unwarranted crisis between them and the local farmers.
According to him, the Fulani in Ekiti State are now living in palpable fear because anything could happen to them and their herds since the governor issued directives to people to poison their water if they notice any untoward attitude from herdsmen.
He said: “What many people don’t know is that there is a difference between the Fulani and the Bororo . We have been in Ado for long doing our businesses and I don’t think any of us could resort to killing of our hosts , what for?
“We know that the Obas own the towns and the land, so we want to appeal to them to help us reach out to the governor not to go to that extent. We have been co-existing peacefully with our hosts and I don’t think such a statement would help in sustaining the existing peace in the land.
“Though, we want to make it abundantly clear that we condemn the wanton killings and maiming of innocent Nigerians by some suspected herdsmen , but we are assuring that such will not happen in Ekiti.
“As much as we are ready to cooperate with government and other stakeholders to make the state peaceful , we should also be mindful of our comments, actions and inactions because that too could ignite unnecessary tension”.
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