66-year-old woman attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ogun dies

A 66-year-old woman, Alhaja Muslimot Morenikeji Salami, who was reportedly attacked by some suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ogun state has died.

It was gathered that Salami was attacked by the assailants while going to her site in the Oru-Awa Road in the Ijebu-North Local Government Area on Monday, January 11, 2021.

Alhaja Salami died on Tuesday, February 16 and was laid to rest the next day, Wednesday, February 17. 

According to reports, Salami ran into some herds and attempted to make a quick reverse but was caught by the attackers.

The attackers numbering about eight reportedly emerged from the bush, cut off one of her fingers and shattered her jaw with bullets.

The victim was said to have been taken to a few hospitals including the state-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital but was rejected. She had to travel to the Lagos State Hospital, Ikeja, before she could get treatment.

Spokesperson of the command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident then said three suspects had been arrested.

“Those people have a piece of land between Oru and Ago Iwoye. They went to inspect the land. One Alhaja who was going with them had excused herself with the promise that she would join them on the land,” said Oyeyemi. 

“On getting to the land, they discovered that some Fulanis were attacking a labourer hired to clear the land in question. Those people immediately ran to those in the neighbourhood and in the process, the Fulanis left the victim and took to their heels. Unknown to the Alhaja, on her way to join the people, the Fulanis laid in ambush for her and opened fire on the vehicle she was driving. The woman was hit by a bullet and the Fulanis, who perpetrated the crime, ran away.

“When the police were informed, they went to the scene and could not find any of them but they saw the cattle they left behind. The police, in conjunction with the local vigilante group and hunters didn’t allow the cattle to leave the spot. Around 10pm, three Fulani men came to the spot with the aim of taking away the cattle and the police apprehended them. They have been transferred to the police headquarters in Eleweran. They have strong connection to the crime.”