Herdsmen attacks: Ondo govt deploys troops to secure farmlands, farmers

The Ondo State Government on Thursday said it has deployed military officers to farmlands across the state to protect farmers from frequent herder-related attacks.

This move aims to safeguard food production and strengthen agribusiness.

The intervention, which came after reports of killings and displacement of farmers in the Ala axis of Akure North Local Government, is part of wider measures by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to restore confidence, protect livelihoods, and boost food production.

Disclosing this on Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Rotimi Akinsola, said the move was part of wider efforts of the state government to strengthen food security, create jobs, and encourage investment in agriculture across the state.

Akinsola disclosed that the state government had deployed more than 22 military officers to the Ala axis of Akure North Local Government Area, following recent attacks by suspected herders that claimed the lives of some farmers.

According to him, the intervention underscores the administration’s determination to guarantee safety in farming communities and reclaim encroached lands for agricultural use.

He said, “Our forests are safe, especially from criminal activities. Right now, we have stationed military officers in Ala to secure the land and restore confidence for our farmers and investors. This action will deter criminals from using the forests as hideouts.”

He explained that the government’s immediate target is to open up vast farmlands for cultivation by both smallholder farmers and large-scale investors.

“We are already working with investors who have the capacity to cultivate large expanses of land. By clearing and securing the area, other farmers will also be free to do their work without fear or intimidation,” he said.

The governor’s aide stressed that agriculture remains central to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s economic blueprint, not only as a tool for food sufficiency but also as a pathway for youth empowerment.

He said, “Under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s policy on agribusiness, we aim to encourage our youths to pursue careers in agriculture by implementing the sanatorium farms system, which we are currently establishing. If the land were easily accessible, those things would have been fast-tracked for moving.

“So we are engaging more private land to get this done until we can resolve these farmers on our crops land. The encroachment is quite bad. We have 16 forest reserves.

“This is designed to create structured farming clusters where youths can gain access to land, training, and opportunities. This is part of our strategy to address unemployment while improving food production.”

He added that while the government is determined to protect farming communities, the challenge of encroachment on forest reserves will be addressed by the state government.

“Ondo has 16 forest reserves, but many of them have been encroached upon. We cannot boast of where to put the next investor unless we reclaim these lands. That is why securing them is a top priority,” he explained.

He said the state government would continue to partner with private investors and local farmers to expand agricultural production and strengthen Ondo’s role as a major food-producing state in the Southwest.

“With these measures, we are confident that food security will be enhanced, unemployment reduced, and Ondo will emerge as a hub of agribusiness in Nigeria,” Akinsola affirmed.

Farmers in Ala and surrounding communities have welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited relief. Many said the presence of the military would encourage them to return to their farms, some of which had been left idle for several planting seasons.

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