Herders take over Ekiti school to graze their cows

2026-03-29 - 07:04

...Alumnus begs Gov Oyebanji to intervene By Foluso Kofo Ajibulu Your Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the first indigenous secondary school in Ekiti, Ekiti Parapo College Ido-Ekiti is under attack by herders who have taken over the premises to graze their cows. This situation has become a common sight across the country and the school has been having its share of this ugly development over a period of time. Right now the issue is becoming unbearable. What has made this great school attractive to these herders is the porous nature that provides unhindered access. They are taking advantage of the vast land mass with green vegetation, Your Excellency. Our students, teachers, administrative staff and the classroom areas are now hosts to cattle and their herders. This is causing distractions and it is an eye sore. Over a period of time, the herders have turned the school premises to safe haven for the grazing of their cattle unchallenged. Certainly, this will have a negative impact on the education of these children and thereby undermining your laudable program on education. The school management, in conjunction with the alumni association, had drawn the attention of the Amotekun Corps in Ekiti to this menace. It is to the credit of the corps that sometime, last year, they succeeded in flushing the herders and their cows from the college. Right now, those factors that made the place conducive for the herders and their cows have not been addressed. They therefore provide a smooth return to the school. Although, the Amotekun corps has come to the rescue when invited on some occasions, Your Excellency, this fire brigade approach is not the way to go, especially now that the security situation in our border towns calls for greater attention of the security outfit and other apparatus of the state. Sir, a more concrete solution is the need for an all round perimeter fencing of the college. If you are able to do this, and we in the Ekiti Parapo College Old Students Association believe you have the capacity, it will boost your pedigree as an achiever and your achievements are visible in all sectors. You have actually engraved your name in the sands of time in education, road construction, health and employment amongst others. This is a passionate appeal to you to extend your focus to this historic institution, a symbol and a pride of all Ekiti people. As you warm up to stepping into your second term, please pay a personal attention to this call: Provide all round perimeter fencing for the college. Your name will remain evergreen as you heed this fencing request. •Ajibulu, a retired navy commander, is an alumnus of Ekiti Parapo College Ido-Ekiti and resident in Eket, Akwa Ibom State