Over 20 farmers have been killed by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in four communities within Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to Channels news, the attacks, which happened at midnight over the weekend, affected Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun camp, and Aba Alajido camps in the Ala Elefosan area.
A resident from one of the communities said that fourteen bodies had been recovered in the last 48 hours, while some residents are still missing.
The Regent of Ademekun camp, Adelowo Adekemisola, confirmed the killings, stating that the gunmen entered the communities through the boundary with Edo State and opened fire.
“They came in the middle of the night and started shooting everywhere. Fourteen farmers have been killed in Ademekun alone. We are still searching for more people who are missing,” Adekemisola said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, also confirmed the incident. She stated that security agencies have begun efforts to catch the attackers and secure the affected communities.
“The police and other security agencies are working to arrest the criminals and ensure the safety of residents in Akure North Local Government Area,” Odunlami told reporters.
As of the time of this report, the Ondo State Government has not released any statement regarding the incident.
This attack adds to the growing number of violent incidents targeting farmers in Nigeria. Similar attacks have occurred across the country, particularly in the northern region, where gangs have frequently raided rural communities.
In January, several farmers were killed in Borno State when gunmen attacked Dumba village near Lake Chad, rounding up the victims before shooting them.
