Community members described a troubling surge in kidnappings and killings, which they allege are being carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen. According to them, the attacks are becoming more frequent and have created an atmosphere of fear across the region.
Residents of Ala Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, along with neighboring settlements, have voiced serious concerns over the worsening security situation in their area.
Speaking to the KoikiMedia crew during a visit on Wednesday, community members described a troubling surge in kidnappings and killings, which they allege are being carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen. According to them, the attacks are becoming more frequent and have created an atmosphere of fear across the region.
Community leaders from Ala and nearby areas—including Small London, Imafo, Ajagbusi, Idanre, Akure, and Ago Dada—lamented the persistent rise in insecurity.
One of the community heads, Mr. Akinyosola Abayomi, said farmers are no longer able to access their farmlands due to the threat of abduction. He explained that many have abandoned farming entirely, leading to severe food shortages and increasing hunger in the community.
The Iya Alaje of Ala Community, Mrs. Funmilayo, also spoke on the situation, noting that residents now live in constant fear.
She said people can no longer go about their daily activities freely, and this has had a significant negative impact on local economic activities.
Efforts by local security groups have yielded limited results.
The Head of Hunters in the area, Rafiu Apelegbe, stated that despite their commitment to protecting the community, they are overwhelmed by the scale of the attacks.
He cited recent incidents, including kidnappings in Ala, Imafo, Small London, and along Obatedo Road, where suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked a tractor operator and set the machine ablaze.
He also recounted the abduction of a couple, where the husband was later released after a ransom was paid, while his pregnant wife remained in captivity.
Apelegbe appealed to government authorities and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene, warning that residents can no longer sleep peacefully.
Other residents interviewed echoed similar concerns, describing the area as increasingly unsafe.
They noted that farmlands are being abandoned and crops left to waste, as farmers fear for their lives.
Youths in the community called on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take decisive action to address the crisis.
They also appealed to activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, to support efforts to restore security in the area.
Insecurity has become a major issue across Akure North in recent times, with repeated reports of kidnappings and killings targeting farmers and residents.
There is a growing call for the government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent and effective measures to restore safety, not only in Ondo State but across the South-West and the country at large.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the world 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep