By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Suspected herdsmen launched a deadly attack on the Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving five farm labourers dead.
The incident, which occurred around 3pm on Tuesday, was confirmed by a local farmer, Akin Olowolafe, who lamented the persistent threat posed by the herdsmen to the community’s safety and livelihood.
Olowolafe revealed that the assailants, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, stormed the farmland and began shooting indiscriminately, killing five workers on the spot.
He expressed frustration over the repeated destruction of crops and the lack of effective intervention from both the state government and security agencies.
According to him, the daily attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their fields for fear of being killed.
He added that the community, which depends on its agricultural produce for survival, is now grappling with the devastating effects of these unchecked invasions.
The farmer also raised concerns over the herdsmen’s confrontational behaviour, stating that women working on the farms are often at risk of assault, including rape.
Olowolafe called on Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to urgently address the situation and protect the community from further attacks.
Another eyewitness, Fidelis Daniel, described the chaos, recounting how he narrowly escaped death.
“I was in the farm when I heard gunshots and ran for my life. Five of our people were killed, three from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State. We’ve just deposited their bodies at the mortuary,” he said.
Daniel appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, and the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, to take decisive action to prevent further violence, noting that the frequent attacks are demoralising farmers in the area.
During a visit to the State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure Complex, our correspondent observed members of the Hunters and Vigilantes Association depositing the victims’ bodies at the mortuary.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the attack and disclosed that investigations are ongoing, though she could not verify the exact number of casualties.
