Fulani Herdsmen sign agreement to leave Delta communities

The leadership of Fulani herdsmen has signed a peace pact with Olomu Traditional Council to leave Olomu communities in Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State for two weeks.

This follows a series of reported clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the area over the invasion of farmlands by herdsmen which had led to several persons being injured from both sides.

It was learnt that the decision was reached during a meeting with the Owhorode (traditional ruler) of Olomu Kingdom, HRM. Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon-Ogoni Oghoro I JP, with the leadership of the herdsmen.

The two-week vacation peace pact commenced since June 25 and expires July 9.

It was gathered that after the expiration of the two weeks, herdsmen who desire to graze in the area would have to negotiate with the Olomu Traditional Council and host communities.

The Public Relations Officer of Fulani Cattle Owners in Delta State, Alhaji Jibrin Haruna led the delegation which included Alhaji Immam Mohammed Young-Okotie, Alhaji Garba Aliyu, Alhaji Usman Suleiman and Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu.

The monarch said the decision has become necessary following the criminal activities by some suspected Fulani herdsmen who allegedly destroy farm crops, rape and molest women, and intimidate farm owners in the area.

Speaking at the meeting attended by notable chiefs of the kingdom, the 99-year-old monarch said the herdsmen were free to return to his communities after negotiation with the Council of Chiefs and host communities.

According to him, such negotiation must be led by the leadership of Cattle Owners in the state while warning that no herdsmen should flout the peace accord.

“Fulani Herdsmen must vacate the Kingdom for failing to properly negotiate with the Olomu Traditional Council before embarking on their grazing businesses in our domain. The Fulani Herdsmen should vacate Olomu Kingdom within two weeks from 25/06/2016-09/07/2016”, a copy of the peace agreement said.