In response to ongoing violence in Ondo State, hundreds of frustrated farmers and youths from the Ajagbusi community in the Igbatoro region of Akure North Local Government Area held a protest on Tuesday, blocking the State Secretariat road in Alagbaka, Akure, over the murder of three farmers by suspected herdsmen.
The protesters brought the deceased bodies of the victims to the entrance of the governor’s office, accusing the state government of apathy towards their situation and the continuous assaults on their community.
They halted traffic and called for immediate action, expressing their distress that at least 20 farmers had been killed in similar incidents in the last two months.
According to the demonstrators, the victims were ambushed and shot dead on Tuesday morning while they were riding their motorcycle to the farm. The assailants reportedly escaped the scene after the attack.
Taiwo Samuel, the traditional ruler of the Adeshina Community, who participated in the protest, described the event as another tragic addition to the increasing list of attacks. He stated that the killings took place near the 13/13 area of the Ajagbusi farm settlement in the Ala Elefosan region of Akure North.
“Three farmers were killed this morning while on their way to the farm by Fulani herdsmen,” he remarked. “We brought their bodies here for everyone to witness and to prevent any denial from the authorities, which we have faced previously.”
He criticized the government’s inability to stop the ongoing attacks, asserting, “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa promised us enhanced security after the last incident, but nothing has improved. We are imploring the government to allow us to defend ourselves if they cannot safeguard us.”
Samuel further compared the current administration's situation to that of the late former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, noting such incidents were less frequent during his time. “Now we live in fear. We cannot sleep soundly. These are human lives being lost, not livestock.”
In reaction to the killings, Ondo State Police Command spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to the region to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators.
