photo credit: The guardian
Farmers in ‘Aba Oyinbo’, Akure North Local Council of Ondo State were attacked and killed by armed herders in the early hours of Wednesday, sparking outrage across the state.
This deadly invasion comes just two weeks after over 20 farmers were killed in a similar midnight attack across four communities in Ala Elefosan.
Angered by the government’s failure to stop the ongoing attacks, residents stormed the Governor’s Office, demanding urgent action. Protesters shut down the premises and barricaded major roads, leaving commuters stranded.
Among the demonstrators was Regent of Ademekun Community, Adekemisola Adelowo, who accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ala Elefosan of complicity due to the police’s delayed response during the attacks. She called for the DPO’s removal and condemned Gbenga Atiba, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, for initially dismissing reports of the killings as fake news.
Addressing the protesters, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami assured them that the state government would not allow the peaceful atmosphere of Ondo to be disrupted. He ordered the immediate deployment of Amotekun Corps to secure affected communities.
“Ondo State has been the most peaceful in the country, but now they want to change our story. Attacks are happening across all three senatorial districts,” Adelami stated.
He also revealed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had met with security chiefs to discuss solutions and promised a swift response to protect lives and property.
To address community concerns, the government agreed to: Establish Amotekun Corps posts in the affected areas immediately, strengthen collaboration between all security agencies, Meet with 10 selected community representatives for further discussions
Meanwhile, former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, who was also the PDP governorship candidate in the last election, criticized Governor Aiyedatiwa over the state’s deteriorating security.
Ajayi urged the government to revamp Amotekun Corps and reintroduce Armed Forest Guards to flush out criminal elements hiding in the forests.
“The governor must act urgently to restore peace and protect the people,” he stated.
