Residents across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states are grappling with devastating attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders, leading to widespread outrage and violent protests. The attacks have left at least 30 people dead, with several others abducted or injured, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
In Ondo, nine surveyors were kidnapped and several villagers killed in Akure North Local Government Area. Armed assailants targeted communities such as Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people. A search effort is still underway, and reports suggest the death toll may be higher.
In response, hundreds of women took to the streets of Akure on Monday, protesting the abduction of the surveyors. The women, many of whom were relatives of the victims, marched to the Government Secretariat, demanding action from the government. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the surveyors.
Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, speaking on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, blamed the surveyors for not securing police protection while working in the area. He suggested that internal collaborators may have been involved in the kidnappings.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State government and the regent of one of the affected communities, Princess Kemisola Adelowo of Ademekun, are at odds over the circumstances surrounding the weekend killings. While the government has dismissed media reports as “fake news,” the regent confirmed that Fulani herdsmen retaliated after their cows were killed by locals.
In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area, after three Civil Protection Guards were ambushed and killed by suspected herders. Angry youths torched the palace of the local traditional ruler, Ter Naka, and parts of the local government secretariat. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and urged calm, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Nasarawa also saw deadly violence as a dispute between local farmers and herders in Farin Dutse led to at least seven deaths, including that of a pregnant woman. Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the violence, and security measures are being reinforced in the area to prevent further clashes.
In Edo State, armed herders attacked the Dantata Life Camp in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area, on Sunday evening, leaving two residents abducted and four others injured. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the residents and assaulted those who resisted with machetes. Vigilantes were able to arrest two kidnappers, who were handed over to the police.
In Ekiti, the Nigerian Army has established a new battalion in Ikere Ekiti to bolster security in the state, which has been affected by criminal activities and inter-communal violence. Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the new development, which he believes will enhance the security of the state.
The attacks across these states underscore the growing insecurity caused by violent clashes between farmers and herders, with communities calling for stronger measures to protect civilians and restore peace.
