Farmers in F3 appeals to Osun Govt, Ooni of Ife over hoodlums' attacks

Farmers at F3 Farm Settlement, Araromi, Oke-Odo in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, under the umbrella of Conference of State Farm Settlers Association (COSFASA), have appealed to the Osun State Government and the Ooni of Ife to come to their aid over persistent attacks by hoodlums.

The farmers specifically called on the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene in the matter, alleging that hoodlums frequently destroy their crops, steal produce, and chase them away with dangerous weapons.

One of the affected farmers, Prof. Adedeji Adewole, who spoke on behalf of over 3,000 farmers, made the appeal during a press briefing in Osogbo, the State Capital.

According to him, the F3 Farm Settlement, Araromi, Oke-Odo in Ife South Local Government Area was carved out of the Shasha Forest Reserve by the Osun State Government to cater for the growing population by providing farmland for food production, advancing that land was allocated to various farmers to boost food production for the state.

Prof. Adewole explained that the farmers' journey at the settlement has been filled with hardship and painful experiences, noting that there has hardly been any farming season without attacks. He alleged that hoodlums often destroy crops, steal farming tools and implements, assault and molest farmers, and threaten them with violence, adding that seized tools and equipment are rarely returned to their owners.

He revealed that the matter has been reported several times to security agencies in the state, and although arrests were made on some occasions, the suspects were allegedly released without prosecution. He expressed concern that the perpetrators might be backed by influential individuals, as they often return more emboldened after arrest to threaten and attack farmers suspected of reporting them.

He added that the farmers had also reported the matter to the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security but were yet to get a lasting solution. He therefore appealed to Governor Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife to intervene and ensure lasting peace at the F3 Farm Settlement.

The farmers also urged the Ooni of Ife to call to order those allegedly responsible for the disturbances and their backers, describing the monarch as a respected and peace-loving father who promotes unity and hard work.

The farmers listed their demands such as fishing out the troublemakers and their sponsors with the help of security agencies and ensure they are prosecuted; reinforce security at the F3 Farm Settlement to protect lives and property; provide incentives and support for farmers who have suffered losses and hardship due to the attacks.

They emphasized that farmers at the F3 settlement have contributed significantly to the state's economic development and food security, noting that beyond food production, they also participate actively in community development.

The farmers however, pledged their continued loyalty and support to the Osun State Government while urging authorities to act swiftly to resolve the situation.