Herdsmen Kill 4 In Ondo as Angry Residents Take Corpses to Government House

At least four farmers were killed in the early hours of Tuesday by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ala Elefosan, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The farmers were on their way to their farms when they were ambushed by the armed herders at the popular Thirteen-Thirteen settlement.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who have taken to the streets to protest the incessant attacks by the suspected marauders.

The protesters, mostly youths, stormed the office of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure, the state capital, with the corpses of the deceased in coffins, demanding an end to the killings.

This latest attack comes barely two weeks after five farmers were killed in Aba Oyinbo in the same Local Government Area, forcing residents to storm the governor’s office with the corpses of the deceased.

The repeated attacks have raised concerns about the inability of the state government to curb the violence.

The traditional ruler of the community, Taiwo Samuel, spoke on behalf of the protesters, lamenting the government’s failure to protect its citizens.

“Three farmers were killed in the Thirteen camp in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan in Akure North Local Council. They were on their way to the farm this morning when the Fulani herdsmen attacked them and shot them. One person was also killed two days ago,” he said.

Mr. Samuel expressed frustration with the government’s inaction, saying, “The killing of our people by these herdsmen is becoming too much. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa promised us that the place would be fully secured after the last incident. With this latest development, the government must allow us to secure ourselves.”

The protesters shut and barricaded the roundabout intersection that led to the governor’s office and the federal secretariat, causing a significant disruption to traffic and daily activities in the area.

The state police spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, confirmed the attack, saying that tactical teams had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy. He also vowed that the perpetrators would soon be arrested and brought to book.

The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state, which has witnessed a surge in kidnapping cases, with perpetrators demanding ransom.

Last month, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration was addressing the security breaches after meeting with security chiefs to curb insecurity.

The socio-political group, Afenifere, has expressed concerns over the incessant kidnapping and attacks by herders in the South-West, challenging National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu to collaborate with the state governors in mapping out strategies to end the security challenges.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents are calling for urgent action to be taken to address the security concerns and prevent further loss of life. The government has been urged to take concrete steps to protect its citizens and prevent the escalation of violence in the state.