The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports of an attack by armed herdsmen on four communities in Akure North Local Government, where at least 14 people were allegedly killed.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Olugbenga Atiba, described the reports as “absolute falsehood” and an attempt to spread panic among residents.
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious report being circulated by some sections of the online media, claiming that armed herdsmen attacked communities in Ondo State and killed some farmers.
“For the umpteenth time, we advise the purveyors of this hoax to desist from such an act that is capable of creating chaos, disunity, and distrust between the people and the government,” the statement read.
However, contrary to the government’s position, local sources maintain that the attack occurred, leaving several people dead.
Reports indicate that at least 14 bodies were recovered after the attack on Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun communities on Friday night.
On Monday, the Regent of Ademekun Community, Adelowo Adekemisola, confirmed that 14 people were killed in her area.
“Fourteen people were killed last weekend by herdsmen who infiltrated my community and started shooting sporadically. The community has been battling the herdsmen problem for the past six years,” she said.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Adegbemile, Akure, Adekemisola alleged that the attackers entered Ondo from the Edo-Ondo boundary before launching the assault.
She called on the state government and security agencies to intervene urgently.
A resident, identified only as Sunday, gave an even higher death toll, claiming that over 40 people had been killed, with many residents fleeing their homes.
“They attacked our communities on Friday night while we were asleep. They opened fire on everyone in sight. Many ran into the bush for safety, but some were not so lucky. I am sure that over 40 people have been killed, while many others sustained injuries.
“On Sunday, security operatives came and recovered some corpses. Many bodies are still missing in the bush,” he said.
A police source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers were deployed in the area immediately after the report reached the command on Saturday.
“As I speak to you, about 14 bodies have been recovered in the villages,” the police source said.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said an investigation had commenced, and police personnel had been deployed to restore order.
“On Saturday, we received a report that the Aba Pastor community was attacked. Immediately, the command swung into action to ensure normalcy is restored and to arrest the perpetrators,” she stated.