There is palpable fear in the Akoko area of Ondo State as another farmer has been brutally murdered in his field, deepening the community’s crisis over herdsmen’s violence.
This latest killing occurred on Tuesday in Ifira Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area, as residents grapple with the escalating threat to their lives and livelihoods.
The victim, Joshua Gbolahan, an 18-year-old from Odoro Quarters, Ifira, was found dead at his farm in Ogudu Farm Settlement.
It was learned that he was hacked to death by unknown assailants, believed to be herdsmen, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Police sources confirmed that Gbolahan’s lifeless body was discovered by officers at Isua Akoko and subsequently taken to the morgue at Ipe Akoko General Hospital.
As of the time of filing this report, security forces, including a combined team of police and Amotekun operatives, are combing the surrounding forest for clues to apprehend the killers.
This tragic incident is the second in just a week, following the murder of 36-year-old Sunday Ayeni in Uba Oka, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
Ayeni was killed in a similar fashion, sparking fear among farmers who now dread going to their fields.
In response to the growing insecurity, traditional rulers and local leaders have held urgent meetings to address the deteriorating situation.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Victor Adetona Olasehinde, the Owa of Ogbagi Akoko and Chairman of the Akoko Divisional Council of Obas, condemned the killings as “inhumane and intolerable.”
He expressed grave concern that the unchecked activities of herdsmen are driving farmers away, threatening the region’s agricultural productivity.
Oba Adetona has called on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in securing Akoko, warning that the ongoing violence could have devastating consequences if not swiftly addressed.
The community, he stressed, cannot afford to lose more lives and livelihoods to these relentless attacks.
