Suspected herders have attacked the Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing five farmers.
The victims, who were labourers from Plateau and Kaduna states, were reportedly shot dead while working on their farms.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the farmlands on Tuesday afternoon, fired gunshots into the air, killing the farmers.
According to locals, herders frequently encroach on their farms, destroying crops, but this attack was the most severe due to the loss of lives.
Many farmers have now abandoned their lands out of fear, raising concerns about food security and safety in the area.
Bodies of the victims were later retrieved by members of the local Hunters and Vigilantes Association and taken to the mortuary at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure Complex.
The state police spokesperson, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the attack, stating that investigations were ongoing but could not confirm the exact number of casualties.
“There was an attack on the community, and the police are still investigating. But I cannot confirm the number of people that were killed,” the CSP stated.
Meanwhile, residents are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security forces to intervene and prevent further violence in the community.
