Tension in Ondo community over alleged farm invasion, attack on farmer

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3 years ago

Palpable tension gripped the residents of the agrarian community of Ikakumo Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, following the attack on a farmer by some suspected herdsmen who invaded some farms in the community.

The attack on the farmer, identified as Idowu Bayode, who was macheted by herdsmen, raised tension in the community while farmers were chased away from their farmlands over the fear of being attacked.

It was gathered that farmers refused to return to their farms since the 40 -year -old farmer was attacked by the two herdsmen on his farmland, leaving him in his pool of blood.

Speaking of his ordeal in the hands of the herdsmen, Bayode explained that he was at his cashew farm only to discover two herdsmen plucking his cashew into some sacks.

According to him, he challenged the two men who pounced on him and attacked him with a cutlass, saying they did not hesitate to machete him, for daring to question their action on his farm.

Bayode said he was very weak and they left him in his pool of blood, saying he was saved by the timely arrival of his brother who found him writhing in pain and rushed him to the hospital for medical attention as the herdsmen inflicted deep cuts on him.

Condemning the attack, the chairman of Ikakumo Development Council (IDC), Mr Festus Omogboye said there was a siege on Ikakumo by the herdsmen, saying people and residents of the community are now afraid to go to their own farms and markets.

He said the development had affected the economic and social activities of the area, saying many of the residents prefer to stay indoors rather than be victims of the herdsmen.

He called on the state government to beef up security in the area, being a border town with Edo State, saying the situation is getting out of hand except government intervenes,” he said.

The Ikare divisional police officer Ikare Superintendent of Police, Mr Olatujoye Akinwande who confirmed the incident said an investigation had commenced into the matter.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami, also confirmed the development but said the two parties involved in the face-off had been invited.

Odunlami explained that the farmer met the two herdsmen on his farm while he challenged them but the herdsmen attacked the farm owner.

He said the owner of the farm was rushed to a hospital where he is being attended to, but however, said the two sides had been invited in order to settle their differences.

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