Farmers Protest Alleged Invasion of Igbo Ogbese Farmlands by Miners, Soldiers, and Foreign Nationals

Landowners and farmers in Igbo Ogbese area of Ose Local Government have protested against what they described as an invasion of their farmlands by a group of people, including some Hausa workers, Chinese nationals, and military personnel.

The protesters accused one Jide Ọwọ́kàá of leading the invasion, saying he claimed to have settled community leaders and youth groups before moving into the land to begin coal mining.

Igbo Ogbese, which has about 37 camps, is known for its vast farmlands that serve as the main source of livelihood for the residents.

The demonstrators carried placards with different inscriptions, rejecting the alleged takeover and describing it as an act of extortion.

Leader of the Igbo Ogbese farmland, Micheal Odeyemi, called on government to intervene, alleging that Ọwọ́kàá is only interested in exploiting the community’s resources.

Another protester, Adesunloye Sunday, also appealed to authorities to call Ọwọ́kàá to order. He said the farmland is the people’s only means of survival and warned that they will not allow their properties to be destroyed.

The protesters urged the Ondo State Government to wade into the matter and stop further destruction of farmlands in the area.