Residents of Uba Akoko in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State are apprehensive following the killing of a farmer, Sunday Ayeni. 

Mr Ayeni, 36, was allegedly hacked to death by suspected herdsmen on his farmland at the weekend. 

Peoples Gazette reports that the news of the farmer filtered into the community on Sunday.

A community leader, Olaiya Ariyo, who confirmed the killing during an interview with reporters, said that the farmer was murdered after he reported the destruction of his crops by some herdsmen to the elders.

Mr Ariyo, who accused the herders of being behind the killings, said misunderstanding was settled between Mr Ayeni and some herdsmen after both parties were summoned by elders.

Narrating how the farmer went to his farm on the day he was killed, the community leader alleged that the herdsmen returned to the farm in reprisal to kill the farmer.  

He said, “The farmer went to his farm with his dog as usual yesterday, but when he didn’t return on time, a search party was organised. But sadly, the lifeless body of the farmer was found in his own pool of blood, with his dog and cutlass beside him on his farm.’’

Meanwhile, the Akoko Youth Forum has condemned the recent attacks on local farmers in the area following the latest killing.

The group claimed that Mr Ayeni’s death was the third case in the region within a week.

The group in a statement by its President, Ibukun-Oluwa Akeju stated that on July 30, 2024, Jatto Oluwaseyi, also known as Shabaley, was killed by suspected armed bandits.

Mr Akeju expressed the group’s sorrow and outrage over the violence on innocent community members, especially farmers. 

“The AYF strongly condemned these senseless killings and called for immediate action to address the escalating violence,” it said. 

The statement urged the state government to swiftly and decisively apprehend the perpetrators and enhance security in the region. 

It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts involving traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, the Amotekun Corps, and police to restore peace and security and prevent further violence.