Panic has gripped the serene Ajagbusi community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State after gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, brutally murdered three farmers in a cold-blooded ambush on Tuesday morning.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were riding a motorcycle to their farmland when the attackers emerged from hiding and opened fire without warning, killing all three instantly before vanishing into nearby bushes. The senseless killing has plunged the community into mourning, with residents gripped by fear and uncertainty over their safety.
The motive behind the brazen attack remains unclear, but many locals believe it may be linked to ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the region — a recurring crisis that has led to bloodshed in parts of the country.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, condemned the attack as “gruesome and unacceptable,” vowing that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“Yes, three farmers were killed by gunmen. Tactical teams have been deployed to the area to restore calm and track down those responsible,” Olushola stated.
He further assured the public that security agencies are working around the clock to prevent further escalation and to safeguard lives and property in the area. “We have mobilised all necessary resources to ensure normalcy returns. We urge residents not to take the law into their own hands but to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.”
The Ondo State Police Command also encouraged residents of Ajagbusi and the greater Akure North region to remain calm, assuring them that they can go about their daily activities without fear, as efforts to restore peace and order intensify.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in the community, with locals calling on the government to take urgent action to address the recurring threat of armed attacks and ensure lasting peace.
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