Ondo governor Rotimi Akeredolu, also chairman of Southwest Governors Forum, says Amotekun will begin a joint operation in the wake of an attack in Igangan, Ibarapa in Oyo State.
It comes after an attack at Igangan, Ibarapa, Oyo State, in the early hours of Sunday.
“This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale,” said Akeredolu.
“It is horrendous, callous, and highly provocative. All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.
“While we will encourage the security agencies to get to the root of this latest act of provocation, we have directed the Commanders of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, to convoke a joint security meeting of all Commanders in the South West with a view to commencing joint operations in the region immediately.
“We must reiterate the fact that certain elements are bent on causing friction among the peoples of this country with the sole aim of achieving a pernicious end. They will stop at nothing until their set goal is realized. It is, therefore, incumbent on all lovers of peace and freedom to rise against this current regression into savagery.
“We on our part are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression. On this, there will be no compromise. We call on our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities. In addition, they must be united in the task of defending our lives and properties.
“We cannot afford to fail”.
In late January, herdsmen were ejected from Igangan community.
A Yoruba self-acclaimed rights activist, Sunday Igboho, had given the herders in Igangan a seven-day ultimatum and after the expiration stormed the settlement of Serikin Fulani, Alhaji Abdulkadir Saliu to eject them.
During the attack, houses and vehicles belonging to the Serikin Fulani were razed while the Fulani leader has since relocated to Ilorin, the state capital.