Tragedy struck in the Ajegunle-Powerline community of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, as suspected herdsmen reportedly killed five labourers at a farm settlement.
The victims, identified as natives of Plateau and Kaduna states, were working on the farm when the attackers stormed the area.
A farmer in the community, Akin Olowolafe, recounted the harrowing incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Tuesday saying, the assailants launched the attack while the labourers were engrossed in their work.
“These Fulani herdsmen invaded the farm while we were working and suddenly started shooting indiscriminately. They killed five people during the assault,” Olowolafe narrated.
He further lamented that the community had been grappling with recurrent attacks by herdsmen, who not only trespassed on farmlands but also destroyed crops while grazing their cattle adding, “We have reported their activities to the government and security agencies, but nothing has been done.”
Another eyewitness and survivor, Fidelis Daniel, disclosed that the attackers had been warned to keep off the farmland before launching the attack, recounting, “They came heavily armed and started shooting, killing five of our colleagues. I was inside the farm when I heard gunshots and immediately ran for my life. It was God that saved me, or else I would have been killed too.”
According to Daniel, three of the deceased victims hailed from Plateau State, while two were from Kaduna State.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that an investigation had commenced to track down the perpetrators, pointing out, “There was an attack on the community, and the police are still investigating. However, I cannot confirm the number of casualties at this time.”
