Farmers residing in Temidire Camp 1, within the Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have called for an independent investigation into the death of a farmer following a September 2 confrontation involving forestry officials and security personnel.
The farmers made the demand through their lawyer, Tope Temokun Chambers, in a petition to the Ondo State Government seeking a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nwafor Romanus.
Romanus, 55, reportedly died on September 3, a day after an operation in the forest reserve.
According to the petition, the operation involved officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, forest guards and security personnel. The farmers alleged that several people were assaulted during the encounter.
The petitioners further alleged that Romanus sustained injuries during the confrontation and later died after being taken to hospital.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain contested.
Earlier reports indicated that the state ministry had disputed claims that Romanus died as a result of the confrontation, reportedly attributing his death to an accident.
Independent Newspaper reported that the farmers’ petition asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to constitute an independent executive commission of inquiry to establish what happened during the operation and determine the exact cause of death.
The petition also called for the examination of operational orders, deployment records and other documents relating to the September 2 operation.
The farmers said several people were allegedly injured during the confrontation and argued that the investigation should not be limited to determining the medical cause of Romanus’ death.
They want authorities to establish whether officials acted within the limits of their legal mandate and whether proper rules of engagement were followed.
A separate report by Starnews also confirmed that Romanus’ family had demanded an independent investigation following the alleged assault during the forest operation.
The controversy highlights the recurring tension between government enforcement operations in forest reserves and the activities of farmers living or working in such areas.
The outcome of any official investigation could determine whether disciplinary or criminal action is warranted against any person found to have acted unlawfully.