In Uba-Oka Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, a group of women staged a peaceful protest to denounce the ongoing killings by suspected herdsmen in their community.
They called on the government to take action against the perpetrators.
The demonstration followed the recent murder of farmer Sunday Ayeni, whose body was found on his farm with severe machete wounds and exposed intestines, suggesting a brutal attack.
This incident occurred shortly after Ayeni had received compensation for his farm, which had been damaged by cattle allegedly belonging to the herdsmen.
According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, Ayeni’s farm was destroyed by herdsmen last week.
The issue was later resolved with intervention from security agents and community elders, resulting in compensation for Ayeni.
During the protest, the women, dressed in traditional attire and chanting solidarity songs, marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye.
They also accused the herdsmen of committing sexual assaults on women and destroying crops.
Mrs. Abigail Ojo, speaking for the protesters, expressed their fears, stating that many have abandoned their farms due to the threat of attacks.
“We call on security agencies to help find lasting solutions to our problems. We are protesting to let the government know our plight,” Ojo said.
In response, SP ‘Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed that an investigation into the killings is underway.
She expressed hope that those responsible would soon be identified and brought to justice.
