The Akoko area of Ondo state was Tuesday plunged into grief as another farmer was attacked and murdered in his farm which added to the death toll of victims in the region.
The latest tragedy unfolded in Ifira Akoko, Akoko South-east local government area, a town grappling with the terror of herdsmen’s attacks.
The victim, 18-year-old Joshua Gbolahan from Odoro Quarters, Ifira, met a gruesome end in his farm in Ogudu Farm Settlement.
His lifeless body was discovered after he was allegedly macheted to death by unknown assailants suspected to be herdsmen.
Eyewitnesses report that Gbolahan’s body was later recovered by the police at Isua Akoko and transferred to the morgue at Ipe Akoko General Hospital.
As of the time of filing this report, a joint team of police officers and Amotekun operatives were still combing the surrounding forest in search of the killers.
This horrific incident comes on the heels of another killing last week, when 36-year-old Sunday Ayeni was similarly slained on his farm in Uba Oka, Akoko South-west local government area.
The community has been left reeling with farmers fearing for their lives as they confront the persistent threat of herdsmen attacks on their farms.
Traditional rulers and community leaders in the area have convened emergency meetings to address the escalating violence.
The Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona Olasehinde, who also chairs the Akoko Divisional Council of Obas decried the killings as “callous, wicked, and unacceptable.”
He lamented that the unchecked activities of the herdsmen are driving farmers away from their fields and jeopardising the region’s status as a critical food basket for the state.
Oba Adetona called on the government and security agencies to step up their efforts to restore peace and security in Akoko, warning that the continued neglect of the situation could have dire consequences for the community.
The Police Public Relations officer, Odunlami Funmilayo, said police have started investigation on the matter.
