By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Five farmers in Ondo State have been brutally murdered by armed herdsmen in Ondo State,South West of Nigeria.
The incidence took place at Ajegunle-Powerline community, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State on Tuesday afternoon.
The victims, identified as labourers from Plateau and Kaduna states, were working on a farm when the attackers stormed the area and opened fire.
A local farmer, Akin Olowolafe, who recounted the harrowing incident, stated that the attack occurred around 3 p.m. He said that the community had previously complained about herdsmen destroying their crops, but authorities had taken no action.
“These Fulani herdsmen just entered the farmlands on Tuesday as we were working and they started shooting sporadically into the air and killed five people during the attacks,” Olowolafe said.
Another eyewitness, Fidelis Daniel, who narrowly escaped, confirmed the attack. “When they came, they started shooting and killed five of our people. I was inside the farm too when the incident happened. I just heard the sound of guns, and I immediately ran to the house. It was even God who saved me too because they would have killed me. They suddenly came with weapons to destroy our crops and killed five people. The people are from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State,” he recounted.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident but stated that investigations were ongoing and the exact number of casualties was yet to be verified.
The attack is one of many reported incidents of herdsmen-related violence in the region, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the state government. Residents are appealing to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive action to protect their lives and livelihoods.
