The Baale of Araro in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mustapha Ibrahim, on Monday, narrated how seven farmers were allegedly cut with machetes in the past few months by suspected herders, according to a report by PremiumTimes.

He said the herders also invaded and destroyed farmlands over the weekend.

The police confirmed the attacks, which it called skirmishes, but said no one was injured.

Araro, a border town between Oyo and Ogun states, has inhabitants who are mainly farmers.

Mr Ibrahim said his people have abandoned their only means of livelihood out fear of attack by the herders.

He called on the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene.

Mr Ibrahim said the injured, who were allegedly cut by the herders, were rescued from the bush, ”soaked in blood before they were taken to medical facilities by policemen from Omi Adio, police station for medical attention”.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state, Olugbenga Fadeyi, who confirmed ”that there had been incessant skirmishes between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the area”, said nobody was cut.

He said:

“When the DPO got there, there was no case of anybody being macheted. They said some herdsmen were eating their crops, and one of the rams, not even cow was brought to the station. And it’s there. All I can say is that investigation is ongoing and we will get you informed at the end.”