Suspected herdsmen attack Ondo community, kill five farmers

Five farmers have been killed by suspected herdsmen at a farm settlement in the Ajegunle-Powerline community of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The victims, reportedly from Plateau and Kaduna states, were working on the farm when the attackers struck. According to a local farmer, Akin Olowolafe, the incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday. He described how the herdsmen invaded the farm, opened fire, and killed five people.

“These Fulani herdsmen invaded the farm while we were working and suddenly started shooting sporadically. They killed five people during the attack,” Olowolafe said.

He added that the community has been subjected to recurring attacks from herdsmen who also destroy crops while grazing their cattle. Despite reporting the issue to authorities, Olowolafe expressed frustration at the lack of action.

Another survivor, Fidelis Daniel, recounted that the attackers stormed the farm after being warned to stay away. He said, “They came heavily armed, started shooting, and killed five of our colleagues. I was inside the farm when I heard gunshots and immediately ran for my life. It was God that saved me, or else I would have been killed too.”

Daniel confirmed that three of the victims were from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. However, she was unable to confirm the number of casualties at this time.