An attack by attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen has left scores dead and many others seriously injured in Asa-Iselu, a town in Yewa North in southwestern Ogun State, Nigeria.
The unfortunate attack occurred in the middle of the night on Thursday, June 10, 2010.
“The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning when many people were fast asleep. These villains really surprised us because we were not prepared for the attack at that moment.
The report reveals that the village head, Ajanaku Adelani, was hit hard when he lost his two sons, Adedeji and Olaitan Ajanaku.
“It is an experience that we will remember for a long time because harmless people were defenseless in the midst of these monsters that came to maim and kill,” an anonymous eyewitness was quoted as saying by the Real Points Report newspaper.
It was also discovered that one of the most prominent figures in the community, Chief Akin Odule, was killed. Another prominent figure in the town, Chief Adegbite Ikuesan, and several tribesmen, including Olusola Solomon Osagie, suffered severe attacks because the attacker suspected him of homosexuality.
This sexual orientation is considered a sin in the religious practice of Fulani herdsmen and anyone who practices it is guilty of death.
Besides Osage, Orisabunmi Aliyu, Kikelomo Taiwo, Saheed Akinkunmi, Majeed Oyedele, Fatima Akindele and many others were also injured.
Although police were unable to provide official casualty figures in the attack, it was confirmed that more than 50 people were killed and more than 100 residents were injured.
“The police couldn’t help us because they were helpless too. There is a shortage of staff at the city’s police headquarters. It was so sad. The police received numerous complaints from Fulani herdsmen but nothing came of them,” the witness said.
