Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, says the incessant conflict between herders and local communities across the country can degenerate into a civil war if not properly addressed.
In recent weeks, there have been rising tension over the allegations that herders are responsible for the killings and abductions in the South-West states.
In January, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, had issued an eviction notice to herders to leave the state’s forest reserves.
Also, a popular Yoruba rights activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, had given a seven-day ultimatum to herders to leave Ibarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, where Fulani herdsmen had allegedly been perpetrating sundry crimes.
But Soyinka during a recent chat with BBC Pidgin, had called for an amicable resolution of the matter.
He said, “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.”
Soyinka noted he once observed the level of damage done to farmlands by herders while hunting with his colleagues.
He stressed the need to encourage increased dialogue between the locals and security forces towards ending the crisis.
