Gunmen Attack Ondo Communities, Kill Over 20 Farmers.
Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have attacked four communities in Ondo State, killing over 20 farmers in a violent raid on villages within the Akure North Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred at midnight over the weekend, targeted Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido Camp within Ala Elefosan. Sources in the affected communities confirmed that many residents fled into the bush as the assailants unleashed gunfire.
A community source, speaking anonymously, reported that 14 bodies had been recovered, while a search party continued looking for missing persons. However, some residents believe the death toll is significantly higher.
Ezekiel, a farmer from one of the communities, claimed that more than 40 people were killed in the attack, describing it as the deadliest assault in recent times. “They attacked our communities on Friday night while we were asleep, opening fire on everyone in sight. Many ran to the bush, while those unlucky were killed. The attack lasted for hours without any intervention,” he said.
Security operatives, including the police, have since been deployed to the affected areas. A police source confirmed that officers arrived on Sunday, recovering several bodies while continuing the search.
Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, the Regent of Ademekun Community, lamented the continuous security challenges faced by residents. “Fourteen people were killed last weekend by the herdsmen who infiltrated my community. We have been battling this problem for the past six years,” she stated during a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers in Akure.
She recalled that security forces had previously intervened under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration, leading to the arrest and parade of perpetrators. However, she appealed to the state government and security agencies for urgent assistance to prevent further attacks.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, assured residents that law enforcement operatives had been mobilised to restore peace and track down those responsible. “The attack on Aba Pastor was reported on Saturday, and the command immediately swung into action to restore normalcy and apprehend the perpetrators,” she said.
As the affected communities remain deserted, fears persist over further attacks, with residents calling for stronger security measures to protect their lives and livelihoods.
