Residents flee as bandits attack Ondo communities, kill 14, injure others

Suspected bandits launched a deadly assault on four communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving several residents dead in the early hours of Saturday.

The affected villages included, Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, were invaded by heavily armed gunmen, causing fear and forcing many residents to flee for safety.

A police source confirmed on Monday that security operatives were deployed to the area on Sunday to restore order. According to the source, at least 14 bodies have been recovered so far, with search efforts ongoing to locate more victims.

“Our men were immediately deployed in the area when the report got to the command on Saturday. As I’m speaking with you, about 14 dead bodies had been recovered in the villages,” the source stated.

However, a local resident identified as Sunday alleged that over 40 people had been killed, with many bodies still unaccounted for in the bush. He revealed that the attack initially began last week Monday but escalated on Friday night, which was the most devastating.

“They attacked our communities on Friday night when everyone was asleep. They opened fire at everyone in sight. So many ran to the bush for safety while some unlucky ones were killed in the villages. I am sure that over 40 people have been killed while many have sustained injuries.

“On Sunday, the security men came around and recovered some of the corpses. Many are still not found, if they search further they will still find more dead bodies in the bush,” he said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of Ondo State, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation had begun while officers had been deployed to restore peace in the affected communities.

“The matter was reported on Saturday that Aba Pastor community was attacked, immediately the command swung into action to ensure normalcy is restored and arrest the perpetrators,” she said.

The Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, also confirmed the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the killings. According to her, 14 people were killed in her community alone.

“Fourteen people were killed last weekend by the herdsmen who infiltrated my community and started shooting sporadically. The community has been battling the herdsmen problem for the past six years,” she said.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers on Monday at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Adegbemile, in Akure, Adekemisola disclosed that the attackers gained access to the community through the Edo-Ondo boundary.

She called on the state government and security agencies to intervene urgently and protect residents from further attacks.