FARMERS IN ONDO PROTEST AS HERDSMEN ATTACK DISRUPT AGRICULTURE AND CROP YIELD

By Amaefule Adaugo

There has been tension in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, as residents protested the alleged killing of five farmers by suspected herdsmen in Aba Oyinbo, Akure North Local Government Area.

According to reports, the attackers invaded the community early in the morning, shooting at people. This attack happened less than two weeks after gunmen reportedly killed at least 20 farmers in four other communities Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido, all in the same local government area.

The continuous violence has raised alarms among farmers, who are now fearful of going to their farms due to the risk of further attacks. Local farmers in Akure North, already struggling with crop yield due to the insecurity, are concerned that the ongoing killings will lead to reduced agricultural productivity. This, they fear, could result in lower food supplies for the region and beyond, exacerbating the current food security challenges.

Angry over the continuous violence and how it has affected their crop yield, farming and their way of life in general, a large group of protesters marched to the Governor’s Office, singing solidarity songs and demanding that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa take action to stop the killings.

One of the protesters, expressed his frustration, claiming the attackers came through Edo State. He said “We are being killed, and no one is helping us. Akure North is under attack. We are farmers, not criminals. We are begging the governor, police, army, and Amotekun to protect us before more lives are lost.” Another protester voiced out “These attacks are destroying our way of life. We depend on our farms to feed our families. If this continues, our crops will be lost, and there will be no crops to harvest for food”.

 

Addressing the protesters, Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami reassured the crowd that the government would not allow the state’s peace to be threatened. He ordered the immediate deployment of Amotekun Corps to the affected communities and promised increased security collaboration. Adelami announced “Ondo State has been one of the most peaceful in the country, but these attacks are trying to change that. We will respond swiftly to protect lives and property. Amotekun Corps posts will be set up in the communities today”.

Security officers had been sent to the protest site as at that time, to keep things under control and prevent any further unrest.