By Akinlabi Ojo
Suspected armed herdsmen have struck in Ekiti again.
On Monday, a driver conveying four farmers was killed while the herdsmen kidnapped the four occupants of the vehicle.
The incidence took place at Iye, formerly known as Iye-Ijesa Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State
Locals said the attackers were suspected to be of Fulani extraction.
A youth leader in the area who spoke to Irohinoodua said the armed men were “unmistakably Fulani.”
He said the former Commissioner for Agriculture and now Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the State Chief Bode Folorunsho was in his community at the weekend.
He said on Monday, the commissioner who has vast a agriculture land had asked his driver to return his farmers to the farm after they had visited him at his country home located at Iye.
He said on their return to the farm, the armed men attacked the vehicle, killed the driver and kidnapped the four farmers.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and the Senator representing Ekiti North District Senator Cyril Fasuyi has expressed deep concern over the killing of the victim, Mr Idowu and kidnapping of people by gunmen between Iludun and Isan road in a statement made available to Irohinoodua by his media office on Tuesday.
It was the second time Chief Folorunsho would be attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Three years ago, the same armed men attacked his vehicle, killing his Personal Assitant in the spot. Chief Folorunsho was then kidnapped by the Fulani herdsmen. He was detained in the bush for two weeks before ransom was paid, paving the way for his release.
A community leader in the area, Bolorunduro Olaofe said Chief Folorunsho is known for his dedication to farming and employs more than 50 youths in the area.
He said the deliberate attacks on farmers in Ekiti State would lead to withdrawal of farmers leading to increased food insecurity.
An official of Amotekun in the area who does not wish to be named said the State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji has directed the police and other security officials in the state to ensure the immediate arrest of the criminals.
“For the past one year, we have had relative peace. This kidnap and killing is another bad news. In all instances like this, the perpetrators were arrested in weeks or days. I can assure you these criminals will be arrested,” he said.
He said Amotekun and the police were already combing the forest to track and arrest the kidnappers.