Hundreds of farmers from various communities in the Ala area of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a protest on Tuesday over the growing insecurity in their region.
The protest followed the killing of three farmers earlier that morning, allegedly by suspected herdsmen, while they were on their way to their farms.
It will be recalled that in March, farmers in the Aba Oyinbo community had also protested after five people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in the same Akure North area. That incident came barely two weeks after gunmen allegedly killed no fewer than 14 people across four other communities — Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido — all within the same local government.
During Tuesday’s protest, the aggrieved farmers blocked the Shoprite Roundabout in Akure, close to the entrance of the Governor’s Office in Alagbaka, causing heavy traffic for hours.
In a shocking move, the protesters carried the corpses of the slain farmers to the protest ground, saying they wanted to present evidence of the killings and prevent the government or security agencies from denying the incident.
It was observed that all the victims were male, and their bodies were covered with leaves.
Speaking during the protest, one of the farmers, identified simply as Patrick, explained that the demonstration was aimed at drawing the government’s attention to the worsening security situation in Ala and nearby communities.
He said, “We are here to let the government know the level of insecurity we are facing in Ala. The three farmers killed today were on their way to the farm when they were shot dead by suspected herdsmen. These attackers usually escape to Edo State after carrying out their evil acts. We are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act urgently. The killings are becoming unbearable.”
Also reacting, a traditional leader in the Ala area, Chief Taiwo Samuel, lamented the increasing attacks, describing the latest incident as one too many.
He said, “Three farmers were killed in the Thirteen Camps area of Ajagbusi in Ala Elefosan, Akure North. They were heading to their farms this morning when they were attacked and killed by suspected herdsmen. Another person was killed just two days ago. We brought their corpses here to show the reality of what is happening and to avoid any denial from the authorities.”
Chief Samuel criticized the government’s failure to curb the persistent attacks, adding that more than 20 farmers had lost their lives in the past two months alone.
He added, “The government must allow us to protect ourselves if they cannot guarantee our safety. We cannot continue living in fear. During the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, this situation was not this bad, but things have gotten worse under the present administration. Our people can no longer sleep peacefully in their homes.”
Responding to the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed that security operatives had been deployed to the affected area to restore peace and apprehend those responsible.
The remains of the victims were reportedly deposited at the morgue of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure.
Efforts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor were unsuccessful as his mobile line was switched off at the time of contact.
It should be noted that last month, 14 farmers were allegedly killed in Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Aba Oyinbo communities by suspected herdsmen.
The Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, had earlier raised the alarm over the security crisis in her community, calling on the state government to intervene and prevent further attacks.
According to her, “These attackers invaded our village on a Saturday and killed 14 people. Later, I was informed that two more people had been killed, and I received threats to my life. I am appealing to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to save our community from these violent attacks.”
Following the series of attacks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured residents of the affected areas that the government would bring the perpetrators to justice.
Speaking through the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun), Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the governor promised to implement adequate security measures to prevent a recurrence.
He said, “On behalf of the people of Ondo State, I sympathize with the families of the victims. The government is committed to securing these areas and ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. We pray such incidents never happen again.”
