A human rights organisation, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over alleged destruction of farmlands in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The organisation called for an investigation into the matter and urged the authorities to ensure that disputes arising from the incidents were handled in accordance with the law.

The petition, signed by SPANCI President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, was made available to journalists on Thursday evening.

Bello said the organisation received complaints from farmers in communities including Aladere, Tewure Iju, Elebe, Elemila, Onigba, Onikoko, Haho, Olopoto and Oloori over alleged damage to farmlands and crops.

He said the affected farmers included Bukari Laro, Bukari Jelili, Yunusa Musa and Ibrahim Leman, who, according to the petition, reported the matter at the Ikoyi-Ile Police Divisional Headquarters.

Bello further alleged that the farmers were subsequently taken to the Oyo State Police Command in Ibadan following a separate complaint against them.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the broader dispute between the parties.

The organisation also appealed to Governor Makinde to intervene and help ensure a peaceful resolution of the matter.

Bello said the petition was intended to draw the attention of the authorities to the concerns raised by the affected farmers and to seek a fair and transparent investigation. (The Nation)