Yoruba nationalist leader Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has condemned the killing of three farmers in Igboho town, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a renewed attack by armed assailants.
In a statement released in Ibadan, Adeyemo appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive steps to tackle worsening insecurity in rural areas of Oyo State and across the South-West region.
The victims of the attack were identified as Aderoju Mukaila, Olawuwo Saka, and Ojeniyi Ojebayo. According to the statement, the farmers sustained severe injuries during the assault and were taken to a hospital, where they later died despite medical intervention.
Adeyemo expressed deep concern over what he described as the government’s continued inaction despite repeated warnings about escalating violence in the area. He said the killings reflected a long-standing security failure that has left rural communities vulnerable to armed groups.
He noted that residents of Igboho and nearby settlements now live in constant fear, as attacks by gunmen have become increasingly frequent. Adeyemo urged security agencies to intensify patrols and operations in the Oke-Ogun axis to protect lives and property.
He further stated that armed criminals have infiltrated forests and rural communities across the South-West, as well as parts of Kwara and Kogi states, creating a growing threat to farmers and local residents.
According to him, the latest incident highlights the urgent need for effective security strategies to curb criminal activities and prevent further loss of life. He warned that continued neglect could push affected communities toward self-help measures in the absence of adequate protection.
Adeyemo also called for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on farmers, urging security agencies to rely on credible intelligence to stop future violence.
The killings come amid a broader rise in banditry and terrorist attacks in parts of northern Nigeria. Recent incidents in neighbouring states bordering the South-West have heightened concerns, prompting regional leaders to hold emergency discussions on improving security coordination.
