Protest In Ondo Over Killing Of Four Farmers By Suspected Herdsmen
- As Protesters Lay Corpse In Front Of Govt Secretariat
There was tension on Tuesday in Ondo State as angry youths and farmers protested the alleged killing of four farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Akure North Local Government.
The protesters transported the corpses of the slain farmers to the state capital and barricaded the main entrance to the state secretariat in Alagbaka, Akure.
The demonstration caused massive gridlock, with commuters and motorists stranded for hours at the roundabout leading to the Governorโs Office and Federal Secretariat.
According to the protesters, the victims were attacked in the 13/13 farm settlement in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan while on their way to the farm.
This latest attack comes just weeks after five farmers were similarly killed in โAba Oyinboโ within the same council area.
The traditional ruler of Adeshina Community, Chief Taiwo Samuel, while speaking with newsmen, described the attack as โone too many,โ and criticized the governmentโs failure to address the escalating violence.
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โThree farmers were killed this morning in the Ajagbusi area. Another was killed two days ago. We brought their bodies to Alagbaka so the world can see our pain and to prevent any form of denial, which weโve experienced in the past,โ Samuel said.
He decried the increasing insecurity in the region and called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to allow communities to defend themselves.
โThe killings have become unbearable. During the late Governor Akeredoluโs administration, these kinds of incidents were not as rampant. Now, everything seems to be spiraling out of control. More than 20 farmers have been killed in just the past month.โ
Samuel warned that community members may be forced to take up arms in self-defense, despite fears of being criminalized for protecting their lives.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Alayande Olayinka, confirmed the incident and said tactical teams had been deployed to restore order in the affected area.
โOur operatives are already on ground in the community to maintain peace. We assure the public that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,โ Olayinka stated.
The state government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest killings or the protest.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
