Fayose’s Threat Instils Fear In Fulani Herdsmen, Takes Case To Ekiti Monarchs

SAN FRANCISCO, May 07, (THEWILL) – The recent threat credited to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state that he will direct his people to poison their water in an event of any attack from Fulani herdsmen in the state has instilled fear in the cattle-rearers such that they have resolved to take their case to the Council of Traditional Rulers.

The Governor was quoted to have issued the threat in Ibadan on Tuesday while speaking at a programme organized by the Oyo state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, stressing that the time has come for Nigerians to defend themselves in the face of unwarranted attacks and killings by suspected herdsmen across the country.

A member of the ethnic stock confided in ThisDay in Ado Ekiti that his kinsmen are now living in palpable fear because anything could happen to them and their herds since Fayose has said he had issued directives to Ekiti people to poison their water if they notice any untoward attitude from the Fulani herdsmen.

Noting that they received Fayose's statement with shock, the source, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue and for not being authorized to speak on behalf of the Fulani herdsmen, warned the Governor's comment could spark a crisis between them and the farmers, even when such is unwarranted.

He noted that his members have taken a final decision to lodge a formal complaint to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, over the dangers inherent in the comment, adding that they would also meet with the state traditional council, particularly its chairman and Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Samuel Oyebade.

“What many people don't know is that there is a difference between Fulani and 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?” the Fulani man asked.