More indigenes of Igangan in Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State would have died on Sunday when suspected herdsmen attacked the town, council chairman Mr Lateef Akorede has stated.
He said the timely intervention of men of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) stopped the rampaging herdsmen in the killing spree.
His position tallied with that of Convener, Igangan Development Advocate, Mr Oladokun Oladiran, who said the prompt intervention of locals reduced the casualty figures.
Over 20 indigenes of the town were feared killed during the attack on Sunday morning.
While featuring on a programme on Fresh FM, Ibadan the recently inaugurated council boss said more casualties would have been recorded during the invasion.
He said the police also supported the vigilante and local militias, who resorted to self-help to salvage their town from the invaders.
The council area consists of three major towns: Ayete, Igangan and Tapa.
The attackers died many people and razed the palace of the Asigangan, a filling station, several cars, shops and houses.
Akorede said the attack was a reprisal on the community and its people.
The council boss confirmed the perpetrators came on motorcycles, adding that one of those killed was an aide of the Seriki’s son.
He said Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, who hails from neighbouring Eruwa, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on security, Fatai Owoseni and other stakeholders were already in the town.
He also said locals with security agents were combing the bushes for traces of the invaders.
According to him: “It’s unfortunate that it happened. We knew there would be reprisal and we were prepared. Where they entered, we still don’t know.
“Our vigilante men just returned from an operation last night and had barely settled down. Those unfortunate human beings had to retreat when our people were overpowering them.”
He assured the monarch whose palace was razed is in good condition.
“The Palace was targeted because of the burnt palace of the Seriki. That was why everything beside it was also razed,” he added
