Ogun Community Raises Alarm Over Violence and Killings of Residents

Abeokuta — Residents of Iwoye-Ketu in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, under the banner of “The Iwoye-Ketu Development Forum,” have called on the Nigerian government and the international community to intervene in the ongoing killings of locals by suspected Fulani arsonists. In response to these allegations, Alhaji Abubakar Dende, the Ogun State Chairman of the Myetti Allah Cattle Dealers Association, denied the involvement of Fulanis living in Iwoye-Ketu, attributing the kidnappings to foreigners.

The community reported that a recent attack has jeopardized the peace and security of the town, resurfacing painful memories of the 2002 violent clashes. In a statement by the Chairman, Chief Semiu Usman-Legitan, and Secretary, Wale Fadipe, it was noted that the current violence closely mirrors the events of 2002, when a conflict between the Iwoye-Ketu indigenes and Fulani settlers resulted in significant loss of life and property, forcing many residents to flee for safety.

The community leaders stated that in the last two months, Iwoye-Ketu has become a hotspot for kidnappings, killings, and other violent crimes. They expressed that the perpetrators are believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group living within the community, accusing them of showing no regard for human life and resorting to violence at the slightest provocation, thereby instilling fear among the residents.

However, Alhaji Abubakar Dende, the Ogun State Chairman of the Myetti Allah Cattle Dealers Association, refuted these claims, stating that the kidnappings were not carried out by Fulanis living in Iwoye-Ketu but by foreign elements. He explained, “According to the information I received, two community members were kidnapped, and Yorubas approached the local Fulanis for assistance in rescuing the victims. However, a disagreement occurred during this process, resulting in the deaths of two Fulanis and the near-killing of another, who was ultimately rescued. This led to further conflict, during which a Yoruba man was killed.”

Dende added, “Upon learning of the crisis, I contacted the police, who intervened.”

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, later convened a peace meeting between the Yoruba and Fulani communities at the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Following the meeting, the crisis was resolved, with both parties being warned to maintain peace. Since then, normalcy has returned to the community.