Mother, child, 6 others killed as ‘Fulani herdsmen’ invade Ogun communities

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have invaded Igbooro, Oja-Odan in the Yewa-North local government area of Ogun State, killing three persons, including a mother and her child.

The herdsmen also injured two villagers when they attacked the community close to Eggua in Oja-Odan around 11pm on Friday.

Eyewitnesses said the herdsmen shot indiscriminately and set three houses and storehouses on fire.

“A mother and her child were among the three persons killed in their huts while two persons were said to be in critical conditions after the herdsmen shot them,” a local source said.

Many people, including children, sustained varying degrees of injuries, reports say.

The attack came barely 24 hours after five persons were killed in Owode Ketu.

Confirming the incident, Baale of Igbooro, Abidemi Akorede, said he had counted three corpses as of the time of Saturday.

Akorede said two villagers, a man, and a woman had been rushed to a nearby hospital after they sustained gunshots injuries.

“Some Fulani herdsmen invaded our village last night,” Akorede said.

“As they arrived, they set ablaze some houses and started shooting. They macheted a child to death where he hid.

“They hacked a mother and her child to death. I have counted three corpses; two have been rushed to the hospital; they are in critical condition after being shot.

“They did not come with their cattle for grazing. They just stormed the village, killed people, and destroyed a lot of property.

“Three houses were set ablaze and one commercial bus. Silos were also burnt with the grains.”

State police spokesperson Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident.

Oyeyemi said a team of police officers had been drafted to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“We are aware, and the command has deployed police officers to the place,” he said.