The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the deaths of at least 10 people in a violent clash between farmers and herders in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State. The clash, which occurred in August 2024 at the Gbenpakan community, highlights ongoing tensions over agricultural land use in the region.
Rising Tensions Over Land Use
According to NEMA’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, the conflict was triggered by disputes over land use, with farmers accusing herders of encroaching on their farmlands for grazing. This long-standing issue has frequently led to violent clashes between the two groups, with tragic consequences.
NEMA’s On-the-Ground Assessment
Olanrewaju, who visited the community on Tuesday, briefed the local authorities and assessed the extent of the damage caused by the conflict. During his stop at the residence of the Local Government Area Chairman, Gbenga Akinola, Olanrewaju noted that three people sustained injuries in the clash and are currently receiving treatment.
History of Violence in the Region
This latest clash adds to a growing list of violent incidents involving farmers and herders in Oyo State and across the Southwest region. Last week, West Africa Weekly reported that similar attacks have resurfaced in the region, with frequent incidents recorded in Oyo, Ondo, and Osun states. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns over the increasing instability in rural areas.
Previous Clashes Spark Secessionist Threats
The pattern of violent clashes between farmers and herders is not new to the region. A series of similar attacks around 2019 and 2020 led to widespread outrage and even triggered threats of secession by Yoruba Nation agitators. Although those threats have not materialised, the continued violence points to a deep-rooted issue that remains unresolved.
Government Urged to Intervene
As the frequency of these clashes rises, many local leaders and advocacy groups are calling on the government to take stronger action to address the conflict. They argue that without decisive intervention, the cycle of violence will continue to claim lives and disrupt communities across the region.
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