By HABEEBAT AJAYI
A 39-year-old widow, Solayo Adijat who is a farmer at Sotan village in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State has recounted how herdsmen attack on her farm left her jobless.
Adijat made this known during a panel section at the “Secureourlives” Campaign cohort with 100women Lobby Groups to fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
The widow is calling on the Federal Government to give utmost priority to security in order to prevent the life of its citizens in the country.
She further explained the difficulties faced by famers from the herdsmen.
Her words “The problem is that the herdsmen are too many in our area, we labour without harvesting because they feed their cows with our farm seed.
“Whenever we try to stop them, they chase us with Cutlass What do you expect us women to do we run for our life’s, I am a widow for over Ten years with four kids,is this farming that I know.
“They have turn me to a jobless person, I have to fecth for waterleaf to sell before bringing food for the table to eat with kids”.
According to the Ogun State coordinator of 100women lobby group, Proffesor Olubunmi Ashimolowo, stated the campaign mission is to put women in forefront in fighting criminality and improving public safety by reforming community policing across the country.
In her word,” the campaign was sprung up because of the high level of the insecurities in the country and it is a collective effort that is done in Nigeria, and we as women we are saying no to insecurity in Nigeria. Because violence is on the increase, schools are closing down, communities are being rendered incapacitated, police force is overwhelmed”.
“The system is not working persay, when I say the system, I mean things are not working in terms of security in Nigeria, so, as women we feels it time to come out to lend our voices out for collective actions”. Olubunmi noted
Speaking at the Event, Mrs Veronica Shorounke representing the wife to the State Governor Mrs Bamidele Abiodun pledged her support to the campaign, stating, she will always be supportive to the great work of that the “Saveourlives” and 100women lobby are doing.
“I’m glad about the “Secure our lives campaing and as, I said earlier in the year, a robust approach to information, education, and communication on issues relating to violence and promotion of peace are needed accross country.
“Providing a safe space where our people, no matter how young or old, can come forward and speak up without fear, if they are experiencing any form of violence is the first step to recovery, and hopefully to a future free of violence. Drawing attention of government and those in authority is then the next step; and after that, continuing to apply pressure until we begin to see changes.
“These are some of the things we must do to sustain this campaign and I am happy to see this as part of your plans.
“People need to, not only know that “secure our lives exist , but they can join and support the campaign. Informational programs should be extended to the entire community and people Should be encouraged to speak for peace.
“We should take our message to the traditional and religious institution, the schools and the social gathering. This is the only way we can ensure that we witness the change that we so desperately need today”,she said.
Also, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ogun State police command Abimbola Abdulmajeed Oyeyemi representing the Commissioner for Police CP Edward Ajogun said the command’s tactical team is working tiredlessly with the Stakeholders to drastically reduce the issue of insecurity in the state.
The Commissioner for women affairs, Mrs. Funmilayo Efuape represented by Mrs Wonuola Kazeem, Advised the women to stand for each other to safeguard their lives.
However, other victims present at the event includes: Popoola Lekan (JP), Peti Bella and Alani Oguntoyinbo narrated their encounter with herdsmen in their various Areas.
In Addition, the PPRO Abimbola Oyeyemi urged the victim to be bold enough in reporting any inconveniences faced on their farm.
Other groups cohorts in the fight were , Gender Development Initiative (GENDI),priceless jewel foundation (PJF), Nigeria Association if women Journalist (NAWOJ),(NSCDC), Health reformed Foundation (HERFON), Women Advocacy Against HIV& AIDS and others Diseases (WAHPOD), Society for Personality and sexual pycology(SPSP) amongst other.
