The exploitation of solid minerals, which should bring development and prosperity to the indigenous population, has instead attracted conflict and chaos
By Afolabi Ayodele
Kogi State, Nigeria | May 6 2025
Dare was not just a traditional figure; he was a gallant and courageous individual whose dedication and commitment to his people served as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His passion for community safety and wellbeing earned him the respect of many across Okunland.
Sadly, Dare’s death is yet another tragic reminder of the ongoing wave of violence and insecurity in our region an undeclared war waged by Fulani terrorists against our people. The exploitation of solid minerals, which should bring development and prosperity to the indigenous population, has instead attracted conflict and chaos. In Okunland, these mining operations are dominated by Fulani interests from the North, accompanied by groups whose presence often raises serious security concerns.
One must ask: why are regions like Ewekoro, where mining has long been established, not facing the same level of violent attacks as we are in Okunland? Why are helicopters allegedly landing at Agbeso near Oyo village—where Dare and other hunters were ambushed—with such impunity? In that attack, one hunter lost his life instantly. Dare was critically injured, rushed to the hospital, and underwent surgery, but sadly, he did not survive.
While we acknowledge some efforts by the current administration under His Excellency Governor Usman Ododo to address these issues, the reality remains stark: we are under siege. This is a war whether acknowledged or not.
As Okun people, we must seriously reflect on why insecurity in our land is disproportionately higher than in Ebiraland or Igalaland. Whatever strategies others are employing to defend their communities, we must begin to do the same. If we fail to rise to this challenge, we risk becoming strangers and slaves on our own ancestral soil.
Signed,
Elder Tunde Ibrahim
National Coordinator,
Odua Hunters Association & Proud Son of Okunland
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