Tag: ONDO

…govt appeals for calm, vows to take action

Tension has enveloped the Ipogun community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State following allegations that herdsmen invaded farmlands and allowed their cattle to destroy crops valued at more than ₦20 million.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on July 5 and 6, 2025, led to the destruction of large commercial plantations of maize, cassava, plantain, vegetables, and yams.

One of the affected farmers, Tunde Fawoyi, described the loss as “devastating,” citing the huge financial, time, and human resources invested in the farms. He said a protest letter had been sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging urgent intervention to prevent further destruction and possible conflict.

Another farmer, Adefila Solomon, whose yam and cassava farms were destroyed, appealed to the governor to compensate the victims for what he termed “heinous acts” by the herders.

In a letter dated July 10, 2025, addressed to security agencies in the state, the farmers demanded compensation and called on the Amotekun Corps to act swiftly to prevent herdsmen-farmer clashes in Oke Ose, Ipogun. They said no arrests had been made since the incident.

“We are writing to report an incident of destruction of crops on our Farm located at Oke Ose Ipogun in Ifedore Local Government on Saturday and Sunday (5th and 6th July, 2025). Our farm was visited by herdsmen who allowed their livestock to graze on our crops, resulting in significant damage.

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“The crops destroyed include maize, cassava, plantain, vegetables, yams, e.t.c. This destruction has resulted in substantial financial losses for our farm and has affected our livelihood.

“We urge you to investigate this incident and take necessary actions to prevent such recurrence and ensure perpetrators are arrested and made to pay compensation.

“We also request your assistance in ensuring that our farm is protected from further destruction. The pictures are attached to this letter for evidence. We would appreciate any support or guidance you can provide in this matter,” it read in part.

In a swift reaction when contacted, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olaleye Akinola, condemned the destruction of the farmlands, vowing to investigate the case.

He explained that the state government is taking necessary action to prevent any reprisal from the locals.

 “Let me first sympathise with all the farmers who have suffered losses due to the destruction of their farms. I understand the impact of such an incident on your livelihoods and our collective food security efforts in the state.

”I urge you all to remain calm and continue to work towards ensuring food security and economic development in the state, as we are working closely with security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, to investigate this ugly incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Our government will not tolerate any form of destruction or harassment of our farmers. I also charge all farmers to be security-conscious around their farms and to report any suspicious movements or activities that could lead to the destruction of their farms to the relevant authorities,” the commissioner said.

While appealing to all stakeholders to cooperate with the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in tackling insecurity affecting farmers, he added that the government would continue to provide necessary assistance, including adequate security, to farmers across the state.

Tragedy struck in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as two young brothers drowned in the Omileye River while returning home from their father’s mechanic workshop.

The siblings, both pupils of a private nursery school, were reportedly caught in the river’s strong current following a heavy downpour that led to widespread flooding in the area.

Sources told The Nation on Wednesday that the children were last seen attempting to cross the swollen river before being swept away. Concern grew when they failed to return home, prompting their father to raise an alarm.

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Local swimmers and concerned residents quickly organized a search, eventually recovering the lifeless bodies of the children along the riverbank.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the incident has plunged the family and entire Ore community into mourning, with sympathizers trooping to the bereaved home to offer condolences.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately confirm the incident but promised to follow up—though no update had been received as of press time.

…locals resulted in ‘jungle justice’ beat suspect to death 

Fear and shock have gripped the agrarian town of Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the gruesome killing of a 15-year-old boy, Emmanuel, allegedly by his elder brother, Daniel.

The horrifying incident occurred on Monday near the isolated Origbara River, a well-known landmark in the area. 

According to eyewitnesses, 26-year-old Daniel reportedly lured his younger brother to the riverbank and beheaded him in an act that has left residents terrified.

Witnesses told The Nation that the brothers, both sons of a respected police officer in the community, were seen earlier walking toward the river in a seemingly playful manner.

A resident, Roland Akinkunmi, said the crime came to light when a passerby attempting to cross the river spotted Daniel trying to conceal the severed head in a bag and raised the alarm.

The motive behind the gruesome act remains unclear as investigations continue.

“I was around the palace when people started shouting from the Origbara area. When I got there, I saw Daniel with a human head in a bag. I was shocked to later discover it was his younger brother’s head. This is beyond our understanding. 

“They had a minor quarrel earlier, but no one expected anything like this. We are all in shock. How could someone do this to his own blood? They are not from this community. We are still in shock at what could have come over him to have the thought of killing and beheading his own young brother,” he said. 

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Mr Akinkunmi added that close relatives had stated that the two of them had earlier engaged in the usual siblings quarrel. 

According to him, the residents suspect deeper motives, possibly involving ritual activity.

“But we believe there will be more to it. In this town, if anyone sheds human blood for the purpose of a money ritual or under any circumstances, the person will be exposed instantly,” he said. 

“In this town, if anyone sheds human blood for ritual purposes or any reason, they will be exposed. Everyone is still in shock.”

Meanwhile, angry residents of the town descended on Daniel following in the sad incident and was beaten to coma before he was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. 

The incident has since sparked fear and confusion in the community, with many struggling to comprehend the motive behind the brutal fratricide.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and assured that justice would be served.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough investigation,” Mr Ayanlade, a deputy superintendent of police, said. 

He, however, added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet inquiry. 

“The command is assuring the public that no stone will be left unturned in this matter,” the police spokesman said.