A fresh wave of terror has gripped Ondo State as heavily armed bandits stormed and sacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area, killing no fewer than 20 residents in a brutal midnight raid.
The affected communities—Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun—came under siege in the dead of night, forcing terrified villagers to flee into the forests in a desperate bid for survival.
However, local sources fear the actual death toll could be far higher. A resident, speaking with Vanguard, suggested that over 40 bodies might be scattered in the bush, with many people still unaccounted for.
> “The attack started last Monday, but the deadliest assault came on Friday night. The bandits struck while people were fast asleep, shooting indiscriminately. Many escaped into the wilderness, but some were not so lucky,” a survivor recounted.
Security forces arrived on Sunday to recover some bodies, yet the full extent of the carnage remains unknown.
> “More corpses will likely be found if security operatives search the forests properly,” another resident warned.
A Community Under Siege
Confirming the attack, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, stated that an investigation is underway and security operatives have been deployed to restore order.
> “The matter was reported on Saturday that Aba Pastor community was attacked. The command immediately swung into action to restore normalcy and track down the perpetrators,” she assured.
Meanwhile, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, Regent of Ademekun, lamented the worsening insecurity, revealing that 14 residents of her community alone were brutally murdered in the latest assault.
> “For six years, we have been battling relentless attacks from armed herdsmen. This time, 14 of our people were gunned down over the weekend in yet another bloodbath,” she decried.
The regent and other community leaders have made urgent appeals to the Ondo State Government and security agencies, demanding immediate intervention to safeguard their people.
> “How long must we continue to live in fear? The government must act now before these communities are completely wiped out,” she pleaded.
As fear and uncertainty grip the region, residents are left wondering—when will the bloodshed end?
PIONEER NEWS 