PeakNews Online
A fresh wave of violence has left at least 30 people dead across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo States, as suspected armed herders and communal clashes ignite widespread fear and protests.
In Ondo State, armed assailants stormed communities in Akure North Local Government Area, killing villagers and abducting nine surveyors. At least 14 bodies have been recovered, with unconfirmed reports suggesting up to 20 deaths.
On Monday, outraged women took to the streets of Akure to protest the worsening insecurity, demanding urgent action from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They also decried the N100 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
However, the state government and security officials downplayed reports of the attacks, with the governor’s aide on security, Gbenga Atiba, dismissing the killings as fake news meant to incite panic.
Benue State: Protesters Set Traditional Ruler’s Palace on Fire
In Benue State, three members of the Civil Protection Guards were ambushed and killed in Gwer West Local Government Area. Their mutilated bodies were discovered on Tuesday, sparking violent protests in Naka, where angry youths torched the local government secretariat and the traditional ruler’s palace.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, calling for justice while urging restraint among residents.
Nasarawa State: Communal Clashes Leave Pregnant Woman, Others Dead
In Nasarawa State, a violent clash between farmers and herders in Farin Dutse resulted in the death of at least seven people, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the violence, stating that the dispute began with a confrontation between local youths and a herder, escalating into a full-blown crisis that saw homes and shops torched.
Security forces have arrested two suspects and dislodged the attackers, but tensions remain high in the region.
Edo State: Residents Abducted, Others Injured
In Edo State, suspected kidnappers abducted two residents while four others sustained gunshot and machete wounds. Authorities have launched a search operation, but no arrests have been made so far.
Security Concerns Grow Amid Official Denials
As residents reel from these attacks, government officials and security agencies continue to issue conflicting statements, with some downplaying the scale of the crisis.
While Ondo officials dismissed reports of the killings, local leaders, including the Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, confirmed that armed herders attacked villages, killing farmers and burning homes.
Security agencies have promised to intensify operations, but residents remain skeptical, demanding immediate government intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
Joe
