A wave of anger swept through Akure on Tuesday as youths and farmers staged a massive protest following the killing of several farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Ajagbusi area of Akure North Local Government Area.
The victims, reportedly ambushed while heading to their farms early Tuesday morning, were attacked at the 13/13 farming settlement in Ala Elefosan. Enraged residents carried the bodies of the slain farmers to the state secretariat in Alagbaka, demanding immediate government action.
Protesters condemned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s handling of the state’s worsening security crisis, comparing it unfavorably to the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
“During Akeredolu’s time, these killings were not this frequent,” one protester shouted. “Now, under Aiyedatiwa, our people are being slaughtered daily, and the government does nothing!”
The demonstration paralyzed movement around the Governor’s Office and federal secretariat as youths blocked major roads, causing gridlock. Security forces were deployed to disperse the crowd.
This latest attack comes just weeks after five farmers were killed in the ‘Aba Oyinbo’ settlement, sparking a similar protest where corpses were also displayed at the Governor’s Office.
The traditional ruler of Adeshina Community, Taiwo Samuel, expressed frustration over the unchecked violence.
“Three farmers were murdered today, and another was killed two days ago,” he said. “We brought their bodies here so no one can deny what is happening. The governor promised security after the last attack, but nothing has changed. If the government cannot protect us, they should let us defend ourselves.”
Residents lamented the growing fear in farming communities, with many saying they can no longer sleep peacefully. Calls for urgent government intervention grew louder as protesters vowed to sustain pressure until concrete action is taken.
