Farmers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo, have called on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to urgently intervene over the incessant attacks on them by suspected herdsmen. 

The farmers claimed they have lost their loved ones including properties worthy of millions of naira to the brutal attacks at the hands of the invaders. 

Abraham Olowo, a spokesman for the aggrieved farmers told journalists on Wednesday that the herdsmen have continued to wreak havoc on the people of the community without challenge.

Mr Olowo explained that the community, which is dominated by farmers, has come under heavy attack on several occasions. 

He specifically revealed how the herdsmen attacked a local farmer on his farmland a few days ago in the community. 

“The attacks have started for the past two weeks. A few days ago, they (herdsmen) attacked a farmer here which almost resulted in his death and he is currently in the emergency unit of a private hospital now as I speak. 

“Up till today, the attacks continue, they always carry out the attacks at night and in the early morning, carting away our foods, destroying our farm products, and even machete people to the extent that they would land in the hospital,” he added.

According to him, the marauders are already planning to take over a section of Ajegunle and Powerline in the community by driving residents away from their homes. 

“These nefarious activities are only happening and operating within Ago-Dada to Ago-Oyinbo along the powerline, they have attacked everybody in the community.

“We are calling on the government to intervene because we cannot run away from the Fulani herdsmen Their intention is to drive the people out of the community and take over their homes,” Mr Olowo said. 

He explained that the attackers are in the habit of robbing the local farmers of their personal belongings, valuables and hard earn money. 

While stressing that the people are no longer secured in their land, Mr Olowo said despite reporting to security agencies in the state, the attackers are still having field days without being challenged.  

“They attack us every day and these Fulani herdsmen would collect our phones, and cash, destroy our farm products, and even attack us on our lands. 

“We have been to the headquarters of Amotekun, and Ala Police Division to report officially and they promised that they will come but we have not seen any of them up till now.” 

He added, “We have even started our vigilante but without government intervention, our aims will not be achieved. We need government attention seriously.

“We don’t know what to do because if we revenge, it might lead to bloodshed and we don’t want that. We want the government to help us.”

Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Spokeswoman for the police in Ondo, said the security agents are after the attackers. 

Mrs Odunlami-Omisanya added that the police were working with the locals through intelligence to tame the activities of the suspects in the community.