Abuja Farmer Seeks Peaceful Settlement With Fulani Herders

Abuja Farmer Seeks Peaceful Settlement With Fulani Herders

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Managing Engineer, EcoZone Integrated Services Limited, Mr. Adedayo Adefarakan has called on security agencies and traditional rulers within Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to find a lasting settlement to dispute between his farm and herders.
A staff of the farm, who spoke with THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said Adefarakan who also runs AquaDew Ice Factory Ltd in Gwagwalada, was desirous of having a peaceful co-existence between his farm and the herders.

He said that the dispute between Adefarakan and the herders started on April 1st 2021 when some herders invaded the farm claiming that some of their cows died after eating oranges thrown out of the farm.

They alleged that the oranges were poisoned, an allegation the farm denied.

The staff said Adefarakan made efforts to settle the matter amicably but it all ended in fracas as he and twelve members of his staff were attacked by the herders with matchetes leading to the sustenance of injuries from machete cuts.
According to him, the workers are scared of coming to work and that the farm could not be run effectively.
He said that Adefrankan was seeking the help of all stakeholders to ensure peace return to the area.

He said: “The workers are scared and most of them are insisting on staying away from work if security is not guaranteed as their lives are under threat.”

The source said that since 2015 when the farm took off, there had been no violence as both the farm workers and the herders enjoyed a cordial relationship.

The staff also said that Adefarakan was grateful to the police and other security agencies for their intervention so far but that his ultimate wish was for him, his staff and their neighbours to live in peace and harmony as that is the only atmosphere under which business could thrive.

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