The serene pre-dawn hours of Saturday, March 8, 2025, were shattered by a brutal attack on several farming communities in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido became scenes of carnage as armed men, suspected to be herdsmen, descended upon sleeping residents, leaving at least 14 people dead and a trail of destruction in their wake. The attack, commencing around 2 a.m., was swift and merciless, characterized by sporadic gunfire and the terrified screams of victims. The attackers set homes ablaze, adding to the devastation and further traumatizing the survivors. The gruesome aftermath was captured in a widely circulated video, depicting bodies strewn across the ground, both inside and outside ravaged homes, painting a stark picture of the violence unleashed upon these peaceful communities. The voice in the video, filled with anguish, blamed Fulani herdsmen and decried the government’s perceived inaction in protecting them.
Many of the victims were farmers who had migrated from Taraba and Oyo states seeking land and livelihood in Ondo State. They had established farms and homes, investing their hopes and dreams in a new beginning, only to have them tragically extinguished. While initial reports confirmed 14 deaths, with nine occurring in Aba Sunday alone, local sources claimed the death toll could exceed 20, with several others injured and some still missing in the attack’s aftermath. The attack is believed to be retaliatory, stemming from the killing of over 100 cows belonging to herdsmen from neighboring Edo State. Days before the massacre, a man known as “Iron Body,” reportedly working for the Ondo State Government, had visited the communities, promising to address the long-standing conflict between farmers and herdsmen over the destruction of crops by grazing cattle.
The Regent of Ademekun, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, recounted the events leading up to the attack. According to her, Iron Body and his group killed approximately 100 cows, triggering the retaliatory violence. She confirmed the death toll of 14 and stated that the bodies were transported to a morgue in the closer Okada town, Edo State, highlighting the communities’ proximity to the state border. She explained that Iron Body had initially approached the community seeking cooperation in preventing further crop damage by herdsmen and their cattle. However, he subsequently proceeded to a neighboring community and, along with his group, opened fire, killing the cows. This act ignited the herdsmen’s fury, leading to the deadly attack.
Princess Adelowo revealed that the community has grappled with farmer-herdsmen clashes for six years, a cycle of violence fueled by land disputes and resource competition. She commended the previous state administration for its effective intervention, which had brought a period of peace until this recent incident. The Amotekun Corps, a local security outfit, had played a vital role in maintaining order during the previous administration, apprehending and prosecuting perpetrators and restoring calm to the area. This recent attack underscored the fragility of the peace and the urgent need for renewed government intervention. A survivor, Emmanuel Musa, narrowly escaped death by jumping out of his window and fleeing into the bush as the attack unfolded. He echoed the plea for increased security presence in the vulnerable communities, fearing a potential return of the attackers. His account painted a chilling picture of the terror experienced by residents as they were hunted down and their homes set ablaze.
The tragic events in Akure North triggered calls for action and heightened concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region. The Ooye Development Initiatives, a local group, appealed to the Ondo State Government for immediate intervention to protect its citizens. They warned that the growing insecurity could cripple the state’s economy and potentially lead to a state of anarchy if left unchecked. The group emphasized the vulnerability of the communities and the dire consequences of continued violence. In response to the growing insecurity in the South-West region, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde reiterated his call for the federal government to permit the Amotekun Corps to carry sophisticated weaponry, equivalent to those used by the armed herders and bandits they confront. The Oyo State Commissioner for Information emphasized the governor’s unwavering commitment to this position, underscoring the need for local security forces to be adequately equipped to protect their communities.
The South-West Governors Forum also demonstrated a renewed commitment to enhancing security in the region, acknowledging the escalating threat posed by armed groups. Other states in the region, including Lagos and Ogun, highlighted their proactive measures to address security concerns. Lagos emphasized the need for proactive strategies to counter insecurity, while Ogun State reported intensified engagement with stakeholders across various local governments to prevent further violence and protect residents. In a coordinated effort to bolster regional security, commanders of the Amotekun Corps from across the South-West states convened in Ibadan to evaluate the security landscape and strategize. Among the key discussions was the establishment of a central communication hub equipped with advanced technology like CCTV and tracking systems. This hub would facilitate inter-state communication, enabling real-time information sharing and coordinated responses to security threats. This collaborative approach aimed to create a more robust and integrated security network across the South-West region. The commanders also planned to engage with the state governors to secure their support and resources for this initiative, recognizing their crucial role in implementing and sustaining these security measures. The meeting emphasized the Amotekun Corps’ dedication to enhancing their operational capabilities and strengthening regional security cooperation.
