Ondo State is once again in mourning as gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, launched a brutal attack on farming communities in Akure North Local Government Area, leaving over 20 people dead.

The armed assailants struck in the early hours of the weekend, unleashing terror on residents across four communities—Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido Camps within Ala Elefosan.

So far, 14 bodies have been recovered, while search efforts continue for other missing persons.

Eyewitness Account

Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, the Regent of Ademekun Village, recounted the horrifying events, stating that the attackers infiltrated the communities through the Edo-Ondo boundary and opened fire indiscriminately.

“The herdsmen entered our community through the Edo-Ondo boundary and began shooting sporadically. During Akeredolu’s administration, Amotekun came to our rescue, and the perpetrators were arrested and paraded. Since then, peace had returned to the community until now,” she lamented.

Authorities Respond

Confirming the incident, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, assured residents that security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore order.

The attack has sparked renewed concerns about insecurity in the region, with many calling on authorities to intensify efforts to protect rural communities from such violent invasions.