Suspected herdsmen have reportedly killed five labourers at a farm settlement in the Ajegunle-Powerline community of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The victims, who were said to be from Plateau and Kaduna states, were working on the farm when the attackers struck.
Narrating the incident on Thursday, a farmer in the community, Akin Olowolafe, said the attack occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday while the labourers were working.
“These Fulani herdsmen invaded the farm while we were working, and suddenly started shooting sporadically. They killed five people during the attack,” Olowolafe recounted.
He added that the community had suffered repeated attacks from herdsmen, who often destroyed crops while grazing their cattle.
“We have reported their activities to the government and security agencies, but nothing has been done,” he lamented.
Another witness and survivor, Fidelis Daniel, said the attackers stormed the farm after being warned to stay away.
“They came heavily armed, started shooting, and killed five of our colleagues. I was inside the farm when I heard gunshots and immediately ran for my life. It was God that saved me, or else I would have been killed too,” he said.
According to Daniel, three of the deceased were from Plateau State, while two were from Kaduna State.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation was ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
“There was an attack on the community, and the police are still investigating. However, I cannot confirm the number of casualties at this time,” she said.
(PUNCH)
