Violence Erupts in Akure as Farmers Protest Deadly Attack

Violence Erupts in Akure as Farmers Protest Deadly Attack

Akure, the capital of Ondo State, thrown into chaos on Wednesday as farmers took to the streets to protest the alleged brutal killing of five people by suspected herdsmen, in the Aba Oyinbo community, Akure North Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the violence began early Wednesday morning when gunmen stormed the community, firing indiscriminately and leaving five people dead. The protest by farmers added to the tension in the city.”

This incident has sparked outrage, especially considering the recent wave of violence in the region. Just weeks earlier, it was reported that gunmen had killed at least 14 people across four different communities—Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido—all within the same local government jurisdiction. Such continuous bloodshed has left the local farming community in a state of fear and desperation.

In response to the alarming situation, a large number of angry protesters descended upon the Governor’s Office, demanding immediate action from state authorities. Many carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, calling upon Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene decisively and put an end to the increasing attacks on farmers in the region. One protester, who identified himself only as Jonah, passionately expressed the community’s frustration, emphasizing the intensity of the violence they have been facing. He claimed that the attackers have infiltrated the state through nearby Edo, warning that the farmers of Akure North were facing an existential threat. “We are being slaughtered without anyone doing anything. Akure North is under siege. We are farmers, not criminals. We are appealing to the governor, the police, the army, and Amotekun to save us before more lives are lost,” he lamented.

As tensions flared, security forces were dispatched to the protest site to maintain order and prevent any escalation of violence. The deployment indicated the seriousness of the situation and the government’s intention to manage the unrest effectively. The farmers’ plea for protection underlines the growing concerns of rural communities in Nigeria, where clashes between herdsmen and local farmers over resources such as land and water have increasingly become violent. The ongoing strife raises critical questions about the ability of governmental agencies to ensure the safety of citizens and restore peace in affected areas. The ripple effects of this violence could have lasting impacts on the agricultural sector and the broader community in Ondo State.