Sunday Igboho Issues Fresh Eviction Notice to Armed Herders in South West Nigeria

 Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has once again issued a stern eviction notice to armed herders operating in the South West zone of Nigeria, accusing them of kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities.

In an audio message delivered in Yoruba by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho directed all armed herders residing in the Oke Ogun region to vacate immediately. The message, recorded on July 15, 2024, emphasized Igboho's determination to rid communities of criminal elements disrupting peace and security.

"Sunday Igboho has ordered all people living inside the bushes of Oke Ogun who are involved in kidnapping and killing to leave immediately," Koiki stated. He further asserted Igboho's commitment to extending his efforts across various communities in Oke-Ogun, including Kishi, to address security concerns.

"All armed herdsmen should vacate the forests in Oke Ogun. The forests do not belong to you; the land belongs to us," Koiki continued, echoing Igboho's stance on reclaiming ancestral lands from criminal activities.

Koiki also called upon traditional rulers (Obas) across Yoruba land to speak out against attacks perpetrated by armed herders within their domains, stressing Igboho's readiness to collaborate with local authorities to restore peace.

Clarifying Igboho's stance, Koiki affirmed, "Sunday Igboho is not fighting any governor, but he is prepared to confront the herders causing trouble in his community." He disclosed plans for Igboho's team to secure permission from traditional rulers in Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Osun states to conduct operations in forests currently occupied by armed herders.

"Our men are strategizing to enter the forests in Oke Ogun land, Oyo State, to ensure armed herdsmen vacate immediately," Koiki declared, highlighting the urgency of the situation amidst escalating reports of kidnappings and violence affecting residents.

The renewed eviction notice follows persistent cries for help from inhabitants of Oke Ogun, Oyo State, who have endured sustained insecurity attributed to the activities of armed herders.

This latest action by Sunday Igboho mirrors previous efforts where he similarly issued eviction notices to Fulani herders during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. Those actions eventually led to Igboho's detention in Benin Republic, sparking widespread debate and attention on security challenges in Nigeria's South West region.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders including local authorities, community leaders, and security agencies are expected to respond to Igboho's latest directive, seeking solutions to enhance security and restore peace across affected regions.