The Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims that 20 farmers were massacred in a series of violent attacks that engulfed four communities in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state. While multiple reports suggest that bandits invaded the communities, unleashing terror and leaving scores dead, the police insist they have not confirmed any specific number of casualties.
The affected communities—Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun—were reportedly overrun in the dead of night, forcing panicked residents to flee into the surrounding forests. Witnesses describe the onslaught as brutal and merciless, with gunmen firing indiscriminately at sleeping villagers.
Despite official denials of a confirmed body count, local sources paint a far grimmer picture. A resident who spoke to Vanguard alleged that over 40 people might have been killed, with many still unaccounted for.
“The attack started last Monday, but the most severe assault happened on Friday night,” the resident recounted. “The bandits struck while people were asleep, shooting at random. Many ran into the bush, but some were not so lucky.”
Another resident added, “Security forces arrived on Sunday and recovered some bodies, but many people are still missing. If they search further, more corpses will likely be found in the bush.”
Meanwhile, a graphic video obtained by SaharaReporters—too disturbing to share—reportedly shows the lifeless bodies of at least five victims, further fueling fears that the official narrative is downplaying the scale of the tragedy.
Amid growing outrage, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, issued a statement clarifying that the command received reports of an attack at Sunday Camp, a settlement along the Ondo-Edo boundary, on March 8, 2025. However, the police maintain they did not confirm 20 fatalities as some reports suggested.
“The attention of the command has been drawn to a misleading report claiming that the police confirmed attacks on four communities in Ondo State and that twenty (20) farmers were killed,” the statement read.
“For the record, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ala received information regarding an attack at Sunday Camp on March 8, 2025. However, the Police Command never confirmed the killing of 20 farmers, as falsely reported.”
The statement further assured that the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has ordered intensified covert operations to track down the perpetrators.
“The Command urges journalists and media outlets to verify information from official sources before publication to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic in the state,” the statement added.
As security forces scramble to restore order, the attack has reignited concerns over rising banditry in the region. With residents fearing further assaults, community leaders and human rights activists are calling on both state and federal authorities to take immediate action to secure the area.
The question remains: How many people truly lost their lives in this horrifying attack? And will justice be served for the victims?
PIONEER NEWS 