~Communities Protest, Traditional Ruler’s Palace Razed, Ondo Regent Clashes with Government
A wave of deadly attacks by suspected armed herders has left at least 30 people dead across Ondo, Benue, and Nasarawa states, sparking widespread outrage, protests, and destruction of property. In addition to the fatalities, nine surveyors were kidnapped in Ondo, while two residents were abducted, and four others sustained gun and machete wounds in Edo.
Outrage and Protests in Ondo:
In Ondo State, angry women took to the streets of Akure on Monday, protesting the abduction of nine surveyors and the killings in Akure North Local Government Area. The attacks targeted the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, where at least 14 bodies have been recovered so far. Protesters, carrying leaves and chanting solidarity songs, demanded immediate government intervention, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take action.
The Ondo government, however, shifted blame onto the victims, with Special Adviser on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, suggesting that the surveyors were kidnapped due to a lack of security escorts. He alleged that the abduction could not have happened without local collaborators.
Violent Unrest in Benue:
In Benue State, protests turned violent in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, following the killing of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected herders. Angry youths set fire to the local government secretariat and the palace of the traditional ruler, Ter Naka.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, urging security agencies to track down the perpetrators while calling for restraint among residents. “While we empathize with the rage of our people, destruction of our assets only frustrates government efforts to build peace,” the governor stated.
Nasarawa Communal Clash Leaves Seven Dead:
A communal clash in Farin Dutse, Nasarawa State, escalated into violence, leaving at least seven people dead, including a pregnant woman. The conflict reportedly began as a dispute between local farmers and herders, leading to the burning of houses, shops, and vehicles. The police have arrested two suspects and increased patrols in the area to prevent further violence.
Herders Attack Edo, Kidnap Two:
In Edo State, suspected herders invaded Dantata Life Camp in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area, injuring four people and kidnapping two others. The attack, which occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday, saw the assailants open fire on residents as they prepared to break their fast. Vigilantes in the area arrested two of the attackers and handed them over to the police.
Government and Regent Disagree Over Ondo Killings:
A dispute has emerged between the Ondo State government and the regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, regarding the nature of the attacks. While the government dismissed reports of the killings as “fake news,” the regent maintained that the community was brutally attacked by herdsmen in retaliation for the killing of cows.
“We became scared when armed men known as ‘Commissioner Boys’ came to our village, fired gunshots, and killed over a hundred cows. Later, Fulani herdsmen stormed our community at midnight, shooting at everyone in sight,” the regent explained.
Police and Military Step Up Security:
The Ondo Police Command confirmed that at least 14 bodies have been recovered and promised to intensify operations to flush out criminals. In Ekiti State, the Nigerian Army announced the establishment of a new battalion, the 148 Battalion, to bolster security efforts in Ekiti and its neighboring states, Kogi and Ondo.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti assured residents of maximum government support, emphasizing that the presence of the military would help curb criminal activities in the region.
As the crisis unfolds, communities continue to demand urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed. Authorities have vowed to track down the perpetrators, but residents remain on edge, fearing more attacks in the days to come.
