Armed Men Open Fire on Ondo Farmers, Leaving Five Dead

A deadly attack by gunmen has left five farmers dead in Ajegunle-Powerline community, located in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State. The horrifying incident occurred on Tuesday around 3 p.m., when armed men stormed the farmlands, opening fire on the workers.

An eyewitness, Mr. Akin Olowolafe, a local farmer, described the chaos that unfolded. According to him, the gunmen began shooting sporadically in the air as they entered the farmlands, resulting in the tragic deaths of five farmers. He also revealed that these types of attacks have been happening regularly, leaving the farming community in constant fear.

“The gunmen attack us almost every day, making it unbearable for farmers,” Olowolafe said. Many local farmers have fled the area, abandoning their fields out of fear for their lives. The lack of intervention from authorities has left the community feeling helpless.

A laborer, Mr. Fidelis Daniel, who was also present during the attack, shared his experience. He explained, “I was working on the farm when I heard the sound of gunfire. I ran for my life, and it was only by God’s grace that I survived.” Daniel confirmed that the bodies of the victims, three from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State, were taken to the morgue.

While the Ondo State Police confirmed the attack, they have not verified the exact number of casualties. CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the State Police Public Relations Officer, stated, “Police are still investigating the incident, but I cannot confirm the number of people who were killed.”

This attack highlights the growing insecurity faced by farmers in Ondo State and the urgent need for protection and action from authorities. Farmers are calling for better security measures to ensure their safety and the preservation of their livelihoods.