A group of aggrieved women from Uba-Oka Akoko community in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a peaceful protest condemning the frequent killings by suspected herdsmen in their area, urging the government to protect them from these invaders.
Recently, a farmer named Sunday Ayeni was brutally murdered on his farm, his body found with machete wounds and intestines exposed, indicating a violent attack. This incident occurred just days after Ayeni had received compensation for his farm, which had been destroyed by cows allegedly belonging to herdsmen.
A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that Ayeni’s farm was destroyed by herdsmen last week. Security agents and community elders intervened, resulting in the herdsmen paying an undisclosed amount as compensation to Ayeni.
During the protest, the women, half-naked and without head ties, marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, chanting solidarity songs. They also accused the herdsmen of raping women on their farmlands and destroying their crops.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs. Abigail Ojo described their plight, stating that many had abandoned their farms out of fear of being attacked by the herdsmen.
Ojo stated, “We call on security agencies to help find lasting solutions to our problems. We are protesting to let the government know our plight.”
The Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, SP ‘Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, in her reaction to the development stated that police investigation have since commenced on the killings, expressing hope that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended and brought to justice.