By Gwurld4026 
Authorities Probe Circumstances of Farmer’s Death
The Ogun State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of 50-year-old farmer, Alfa Mustapha, whose body was discovered on his farm in Ageri Village, near Olodo, Odeda Local Government Area. According to a statement by the state police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, the Chief Imam of Ageri Mosque, Moshood Mustapha, reported the incident to the Olodo police outstation around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The deceased had gone to his farm in the morning but did not return home, prompting the Imam to search for him. Upon arrival at the farm around 6:02 p.m., he found Alfa Mustapha lying face up with his cutlass beside him. Due to heavy rainfall and poor visibility, no immediate signs of violence were detected. However, a subsequent medical examination at the General Hospital, Odeda, revealed that the deceased had suffered bullet wounds from pellets, indicating he was shot at close range. The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator(s) of this crime. He also urged anyone with useful information to come forward, assuring that such information would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the region. Earlier this month, on February 4, 2025, the Ogun State Police Command held a stakeholders’ meeting in Odeda Local Government Area to address frequent reports of crop destruction and cattle killings. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent hostility and promote peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups, including farmers and herders. Community members were encouraged to report disputes promptly to the police to prevent escalation.
In a related incident from July 2019, three herdsmen were arrested for allegedly killing a 40-year-old farmer, Rafiu Sowemimo, in Adao Village, Alabata area of Odeda Local Government. The suspects reportedly allowed their cattle to stray into the victim’s farm, destroying his crops. When the farmer confronted them, an altercation ensued, leading to his fatal stabbing. The swift response from the police, aided by information from villagers, led to the arrest of the perpetrators.