SLAUGHTER IN THE FIELDS: Herdsmen Attack Claims Five Lives Of Innocent Laborers In Ondo

SLAUGHTER IN THE FIELDS: Herdsmen Attack Claims Five Lives Of Innocent Laborers In Ondo

A tragic incident in Ondo State has left five farm workers dead following an attack by suspected herdsmen in Ajegunle-Powerline, located within the Akure North local government area. Reports suggest that this violence marks a troubling resurgence in attacks against the community.

According to Leadership, the victims were laborers working in agriculture when they were targeted.

Local farmer Akin Olowolafe spoke to reporters in Akure, revealing that the incident occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday. He expressed his deep concern over the rising number of herdsmen attacks and armed robberies that have made daily life unbearable for locals.

Olowolafe called for immediate intervention from authorities, noting that many farmers have abandoned their lands due to safety fears. He raised alarms about the ongoing conflicts and crop destruction caused by the attackers, which have forced agricultural work to a halt in the area.

He further described the herdsmen as a severe threat, claiming they resort to violence, including murder and sexual assaults against women on the farms.

“These Fulani herdsmen killed five of our workers. Their attacks constantly disrupt our farming activities, and despite our complaints to the state government and security agencies, no effective action has been taken to curb their violent activities,” Olowolafe stated. “They entered our fields on Tuesday while we were working and began firing shots indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of five people.”

He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and local security forces to take decisive steps to protect the community from these recurring assaults by the Fulani herdsmen.

Another laborer, Fidelis Daniel, recounted how the attackers entered the community around 3 PM on Tuesday with the intent to vandalize farms. “We had warned them against trespassing on our agricultural land, but they ignored our pleas,” he said. “When they arrived, they started firing their weapons, leading to the deaths of five individuals, who we have since taken to the mortuary.”

“I was also working on the farm when the shooting started. I heard gunfire and quickly ran for cover; it was nothing short of a miracle that I escaped unscathed. They arrived with weapons to destroy our crops and took the lives of five individuals.”

The remains of the deceased have been taken to the morgue at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure.

Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the attack but stated the police could not confirm the number of fatalities at this time. She mentioned, “There was an attack on the community, and the police are currently conducting investigations. However, I cannot verify the number of people who lost their lives.”

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