The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports alleging that armed herdsmen attacked four communities in Akure North Local Government, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Olugbenga Atiba, described the claims as “completely false” and an attempt to incite fear among residents.
“We have come across a misleading report circulating in certain online media outlets, alleging that armed herdsmen attacked communities in Ondo State and killed farmers.
“For the umpteenth time, we urge those spreading this falsehood to refrain from actions that could create panic, division, and distrust between the people and the government,” the statement read.
Despite the government’s denial, local sources insist that the attack did occur, with multiple casualties reported.
According to accounts, at least 14 bodies were recovered following the attack on Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun communities on Friday night.
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On Monday, the Regent of Ademekun Community, Adelowo Adekemisola, confirmed that 14 individuals were killed in her area.
“Last weekend, 14 people were killed by herdsmen who invaded my community and began shooting indiscriminately. For the past six years, our community has struggled with herdsmen-related issues,” she said.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Akure, Adekemisola claimed that the attackers entered the state from the Edo-Ondo border before launching the assault.
She urged the state government and security agencies to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, a resident identified as Sunday provided an even higher death toll, alleging that more than 40 people had been killed, with many others fleeing for safety.
“They attacked while we were asleep on Friday night, opening fire on anyone in sight. Some managed to escape into the bush, but others were not as fortunate. I believe the death toll exceeds 40, and many people are injured.
“On Sunday, security forces arrived and recovered some bodies, but several corpses are still missing in the bush,” he said.
A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers were deployed to the affected areas on Saturday after receiving reports of the attack.
“As of now, about 14 bodies have been recovered in the villages,” the source stated.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said an investigation was underway and police officers had been sent to restore peace.
“On Saturday, we received a report of an attack in the Aba Pastor community. The command immediately took action to restore order and apprehend those responsible,” she said.
