South-Western Forests are not safe for Killer Herders, Bandits, Gabriel Olatuja Warns3 min read

A Lagos based businessman and Advocate for Good Governance has made it clear to all and sundry that South-West is not a No-Man’s Land.




While being interviewed by Ereporters Media, Olatuja said the security of South-West is the sole responsibility of all South-Westerners.

“If anyone thinks Yoruba-land is no man’s land or all man’s land, such person is a joker. We will not watch until the southwest is turned to a Sambisa. We will no longer allow bandits and terrorists who appear as herdsmen to do more harm to our people.”

He commented on the issues of killer herders who have turned themselves to agents of destruction on the shores of Yoruba-Land. He said the security measures that the State governors must begin to take to secure the security and safety of lives and properties of indigenes and other law-abiding dwellers are not targeted at any ethnic group or religion.

“A Yoruba, housa, and Igbo, Fulani or anyone from any other tribe can be a herdsman. So this is not for a group of people. Open grazing will no longer be allowed from anyone or group.”




Olatuja Said, South-Western forests are not meant for inhabitation. He said as a matter of fact, vehement work should constantly be done by all stakeholders and community security outfits to ensure the safety of the forests. He warned that the forest is not safe for anyone who is not given the approval by the institutions set up by the State Goverments and the locals.

“Also, our forests are not settlements. You can’t live in our forests. Go and rent an apartment in the town. Leave your apartment in the morning and return in the evening. Do not love in our forest. Our forests are meant for our plans and animals.




No one will be allowed to destroy our plants and do not kill our animals or destroy the crops of our farmers.

End has come to destructions, killing of our people, destruction of our forests and farmlands and crop, robbery and kidnapping, raping/killing of our women by the notorious elements called herders. Our governors have the right to approve or revoke the occupancy of anyone legally, especially when such a person has turned himself or herself to a lawless element.

I also want to add by saying that farming, whether crop or animal rearing is a private business. No one has the right to trespass on another man’s land or property to start a business.




The same way a farmer can’t go and farm in the north without renting or buying land or get the consent of landowners is applicable in the southwest and other parts of the country.

I said that to say this. If you are a farmer or herder, you don’t have the right to go to any man’s land to do anything without the consent of the owners and the relevant institutions in charge of such lands.

Also, our forest is not for living. We invested in every livestock or plant that you see in any forest both the ones that you think are not useful and the ones you think are useful. Our weeds are parts of our resources. We make so much from our weeds and the plants that seem to be in use. These plants are all Medicinals.”

He reiterated that herders are not allowed to enter the forest or graze or have any form of activity whatsoever. He said the constituted forest guards by the State governments are watchdogs constantly working to protect South-Western Forests.

“Still on the forest. No herder is allowed to enter our forest for open grazing. That is deforestation. We have forest guards who guide our forests and whoever is caught doing anything there so dance to the tune of his or her actions.

Our indigenes are also watchdogs. We are all involved in the safety of our lands and properties and that ọf our people and legitimate dwellers.




Let me reiterate. This is not saying the Igbos, Yorubas or Hausas or Fulani can’t do business in the southwest. If you have followed due process and the set guidelines by our state government and local governments/traditional leaders, please feel free to go about your business, safely and make money.




However, if you have not done the needful, go and do it. If you have access to buy land, I mean if the landowners allow you to buy land or rent, please pay for it and move your herds there. No encroachment whatsoever will be accepted.

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