Scores of farmers from Ajagbusi community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday staged a protest, barricading the State Secretariat road in Alagbaka, Akure, over the killing of three farmers by suspected herdsmen.
As usual, they brought the remains of the victims to the gate of the governor’s office, accusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of ineptitude in governance and indifference to their plight and the constant attacks on their community.
They obstructed vehicular movement and demanded urgent action, lamenting that no fewer than 20 farmers had been killed in similar incidents over the last two months.
The protesters were joined by the traditional ruler of Adeshina Community, Taiwo Samuel, who described the incident as another tragic.
Samuel explained that the killings occurred around the 13/13 area of the Ajagbusi farm settlement in the Ala Elefosan axis of Akure North.
“Three farmers were killed this morning on their way to the farm by Fulani herdsmen.
“We brought their bodies here for everyone to see and to avoid any denial from the authorities, which we’ve encountered before.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured us of improved security after the last attack, but nothing has changed.
“We are pleading with the government to let us defend ourselves if they can’t protect us,” the monarch lamented.
Samuel further compared the situation under the current administration with that of late former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, noting that such incidents were not as prevalent during his tenure.
“Now, we’re living in fear. We cannot sleep peacefully. These are human lives being lost, not animals,” the traditional ruler stated.
Reacting to the killings, the spokesman for the State Police Command, Alayande Olayinka, said that tactical teams have been deployed to the area to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators.
