Tension Soars in Ondo as Fulani Herdsmen Kill Five Farmers

By: Bayero Ade

Tension has intensified in the Ajegunle-Powerline community, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, after Fulani herdsmen launched an attack, leaving five farmers dead.

According to Roving Reporters, the victims, laborers from Plateau and Kaduna States, were reportedly shot on Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m. as the herders entered the farmland and began firing at random. A local farmer, Akin Olowolafe, explained that these herders have long been a menace to the community, repeatedly destroying crops, and although the matter has been reported to the authorities, no substantial action has been taken.

“The herders attacked us on Tuesday, shooting into the air, and five of our workers were killed. This kind of assault has become a regular occurrence, but there has been no effort from the authorities to stop them,” Olowolafe said.

He further shared how the continuous attacks and daily robberies have made life unbearable, causing many farmers to abandon their lands for fear of further violence. The herders’ cattle also regularly destroy crops, worsening the situation for the community’s farmers.

The farmer also highlighted the increasing aggression, noting that women working in the fields have been subjected to violence. Olowolafe has now called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security forces to urgently intervene and protect the people from the ongoing attacks.

Another laborer, Fidelis Daniel, who witnessed the attack, recounted, “We had warned the herders to stay away from our farms, but they came on Tuesday with weapons, destroyed our crops, and killed five of our workers. Three were from Plateau, and two from Kaduna.”

Daniel, who narrowly escaped, added, “I was in the field when I heard gunshots and quickly ran for safety. I thank God for sparing my life.”

Local hunters and vigilantes transported the bodies of the victims to the morgue at the State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure.

The Ondo State Police, through spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the attack, stating investigations are underway, though the exact number of casualties has yet to be verified.

The affected community is now calling on security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, to step up their efforts and put an end to the violence that continues to plague the region.