36-Year-Old Farmer Killed by Suspected Herdsmen in Ondo State
Residents of Uba Akoko in Ondo State’s Akoko Southwest Local Government Area are on edge following the brutal murder of a 36-year-old farmer, Sunday Ayeni. Mr. Ayeni was allegedly attacked and killed by suspected herdsmen on his farmland over the weekend.
According to reports, news of the killing spread through the community on Sunday. Olaiya Ariyo, a community leader, confirmed the incident and explained that Mr. Ayeni had previously reported the destruction of his crops by herdsmen to local elders. A reconciliation had taken place between Mr. Ayeni and the herdsmen after the elders intervened, but it appears the conflict continued.
Ariyo alleged that the herdsmen returned to the farm in retaliation, leading to the farmer’s death. He described the scene, stating, “Mr. Ayeni went to his farm with his dog as usual. When he did not return promptly, a search was initiated. Tragically, we found him lifeless in a pool of his own blood, with his dog and cutlass nearby.”
In response to the killing, the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF) has condemned the ongoing violence against local farmers. The group highlighted that Mr. Ayeni’s death marks the third such incident in the area within a week. On July 30, 2024, Jatto Oluwaseyi, also known as Shabaley, was similarly killed by suspected armed bandits.
Ibukun-Oluwa Akeju, AYF President, expressed the group’s outrage and sorrow over the violence targeting innocent farmers. “The AYF strongly condemns these senseless acts and calls for immediate action to address the escalating violence,” Akeju said. The forum urged the state government to take decisive measures to apprehend those responsible and enhance security in the region. It emphasized the need for collaboration among traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, the Amotekun Corps, and the police to restore peace and prevent further violence.
