Residents across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states are grappling with the aftermath of deadly attacks by suspected armed herders, sparking outrage and protests.
At least 30 people were reportedly killed in the attacks, with affected communities demanding urgent government intervention. In Ondo, nine surveyors were kidnapped, while in Edo, two residents were abducted, and four others sustained gun and machete wounds.
In Akure, enraged women took to the streets on Monday to protest the abduction of nine surveyors and the killing of villagers in Akure North Local Government Area.
Over the weekend, armed assailants stormed the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun in Akure North, leaving behind widespread destruction. Authorities have so far recovered at least 14 bodies, with ongoing searches suggesting the death toll could rise to 20.
In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government, after suspected herders ambushed and killed three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.
The discovery of their bodies on Tuesday morning sparked outrage, leading angry youths to set fire to the palace of the local traditional ruler and parts of the local government secretariat.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, urging security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice while calling on residents to exercise restraint.
In Nasarawa State, a communal clash in the Farin Dutse community escalated into a full-blown crisis, claiming at least seven lives, including that of a pregnant woman.
What started as a dispute between local farmers and herders quickly spiraled out of control, with houses, shops, and vehicles set ablaze.
The police have arrested two suspects in connection with the violence and have intensified security patrols in the area to prevent further bloodshed.
On Tuesday, Akure, the Ondo State capital, was brought to a halt as hundreds of women took to the streets to protest the alleged abduction of nine surveyors in the Ilu Abo community, Akure North Local Government Area.
According to the protesters, gunmen attacked and kidnapped the surveyors while they were working at a site in the area.
Holding leaves in their hands, the women gathered at Ijemikin and marched to the Government Secretariat in Alagbaka, chanting solidarity songs to express their frustration over the rising insecurity in the state.
Speaking during the protest, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Arowosafe revealed that some of the demonstrators were relatives of the kidnapped surveyors.
She added that the abductors had contacted the families, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release.
“We are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to help us. Our men have been held captive since last Tuesday, and the kidnappers are demanding N100 million, which we cannot afford,” she said.
