Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka has accused some security operatives of taking sides with the herders involved in killing and raping their victims.
He stressed that the herdsmen act as if they have immunity from prosecution.
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The respected playwright in a chat with BBC Pidgin, warned that the conflict between herders and farmers across the country can degenerate into a civil war.
Soyinka warned that there is need to prevent further violence.
“My fear is that it could degenerate into violence that ends up in—I hate to use the word—a civil war unless we take action. I’m glad that governors are already dialoguing with groups like Miyetti Allah (cattle breeders).”
“I’m also glad that they’re already discussing agreeing to obey the rules and that other groups are already liaising. I think we need to ensure they reach a consensus that will be fair to all parties.
“We’re struggling against an enemy that believes in acting the way they please. They believe they have immunity or that nothing can happen to them. That is why, in my own state, you find a soldier taking the side of an enemy.
“They actually escort killers, rapists, raiders while flogging the victims. That wouldn’t happen if the people are conscious of the nature of their enemy and are encouraged to collaborate with the security forces.”
Recall that there were reports of how herdsmen who were allegedly expelled for terrorizing Ketu-Yewa speaking communities in Ogun State were escorted back to the villages by soldiers from 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta. The act recently led to verbal war between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11) and Eselu of Iseluland, Yewa North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi
