Police Under Fire as Herdsman return to threaten Farm Worker in Kwara

Tension has escalated in Afon, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, following reports that a herder accused of attacking a popular farm worker, popularly known as “More Blessing,” has allegedly returned to the same farmland to threaten the farmer more than 30 days after the initial incident, despite efforts by the police to arrest him.

According to residents and eyewitnesses, the suspect returned to the farm over the weekend with his cattle and encountered the victim and other farmers working on the land.

Witnesses alleged that during the encounter, the herder brought out a cutlass and threatened to attack More Blessing again, causing panic among farmers in the area.

The latest development has intensified criticism of the police, with many residents arguing that the suspect’s continued freedom has emboldened him to allegedly return to the same farm where the previous attack occurred.

The original incident reportedly took place over 30 days ago when the herder allegedly drove his cattle onto the farmland where More Blessing was working.

Residents said the farmer confronted him and asked him to remove the cattle from the farm and warned him not to return.

According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation turned violent when the herder allegedly attacked the farmer with a cutlass, inflicting serious injuries.

The victim was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while the matter was promptly reported to the police.

Residents told our correspondent that police officers later visited the residence of the suspect in an effort to arrest him.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, members of the suspect’s family informed the police that he was not at home, and no arrest was made.

However, residents expressed outrage after the suspect allegedly returned openly to the same farmland over the weekend with his cattle, raising fresh questions about why he remains at large despite the earlier police intervention.

Speaking with our correspondent, the victim, popularly known as More Blessing, expressed disappointment over what he described as the lack of progress in the investigation.

“The police have not arrested him since I reported the incident,” he said. “I personally took the police to his house after the attack, but it appeared they already had information that we were coming because they told the police he was not around. Since then, I don’t know of any other serious attempt by the police to arrest him.”

Recounting the latest encounter, More Blessing alleged that he unexpectedly came face to face with the suspect while working on his farm over the weekend.

“I suddenly saw him again on the same farm with others. They came with their cows, and when he saw me, he brought out his cutlass and threatened me again,” he alleged.

According to him, he immediately contacted the police after the encounter.

“I called the police immediately to inform them that I had seen him again, but the response was not encouraging. There was no meaningful follow up, and as far as I know, nothing has been done.”

Many residents said they believe the failure to apprehend the suspect has undermined confidence in law enforcement and exposed farmers to renewed danger.

Some residents further alleged that herders involved in disputes with farmers are often not held accountable, fueling a perception of unequal enforcement of the law.

They called on the Kwara State Police Command to urgently investigate the handling of the case and ensure that justice is done.

Community leaders have appealed for calm while urging the Kwara State Police Command to immediately arrest the suspect, investigate the fresh allegations, and reassure residents that no one is above the law.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Kwara State Police Command regarding the status of the investigation or the latest allegations.