Suspected herders attack Ondo communities, kill over 20 farmers

Armed individuals, suspected to be herders, have reportedly attacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing more than 20 farmers.

IDOM VOICE gathered that the deadly assaults took place at midnight over the weekend, affecting Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido camps in Ala Elefosan.

Channels Television reports that a resident from one of the affected communities confirmed that fourteen bodies had been recovered in the past two days, with several individuals still missing.

The Regent of Ademekun Camp, Adelowo Adekemisola, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of fourteen farmers, revealing that the attackers stormed the communities at night through the Edo State border and opened fire indiscriminately.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that security forces have launched efforts to track down the perpetrators and strengthen security in the affected farming communities.

However, as of the time of this report, the Ondo State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

This incident adds to the growing trend of violent assaults on farmers across Nigeria. Similar attacks have been recorded nationwide, particularly in the northern regions, where armed groups have become increasingly active.

In January, armed men executed a mass killing of farmers in Dumba, near Lake Chad in Borno State, further intensifying concerns over food security.

With Nigeria already battling food inflation and insecurity, experts warn that continued violence against farmers could worsen the nation’s food crisis.