No fewer than five people were feared killed by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen, who invade Ondo State.
The herders reportedly invaded Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday evening.
It was gathered that the herdsmen invaded the farms, shooting sporadically and killing five laborers working on the farm during the swift attack after which they fled into the forest.
The remains of the five the victims, who were said to be from Plateau and Kaduna States were riddled with bullets.
According to a farmer who witnessed the attack: “This is not the first time the herders have invaded our farms; it has become a regular occurrence, and we always resist them because they destroy our crops.
“We have reported these incidents to the state government and security agencies, but no concrete action has been taken to curb their incessant invasions until they struck again yesterday.”
He added that the attackers struck unawares, as “they just entered the farmlands and started shooting sporadically, forcing people to flee. We tried to escape, but five people were shot dead during the attack.
“We have reported this to the appropriate authorities, but their activities remain unchecked,” he lamented.
The farmer lamented that attackers also invade homes daily, stealing valuables, adding: “Our farms have been destroyed, and our villages deserted.”
According to him, the community survive in their crops but lamented that the invaders destroy their source of livelihood every day by grazing their cattle on their farmlands.
Speaking further, he deplored the confrontational attitude of the herdsmen whenever the community complains about the destruction, accusing them violent attacks, killing, or raping female farmers.
He urged the state government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and security agencies to intervene and protect them from the constant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
On his part, one e of the labourers who was lucky to escape narrated: “The Fulani herdsmen came at about 3 p.m., shooting sporadically and killing five of our people.
“I was inside the farm when the incident happened. I suddenly heard gunshots and immediately ran to the house. It was God who saved me; otherwise, they would have killed me too.”
He implored the state police command, the Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies to collaborate and rescue the community from the incessant attacks and murders in the area.
He also noted that the new planting season would soon commence, and farmers should be allowed to cultivate their land to ensure food security in the state.
Funmilayo Odunlami, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the incident.
“There was an attack on the community, and the police are still investigating,” she said, adding however, that, “I cannot confirm the number of people killed.”
