Protesters demand action as violence escalates

DDM News

Residents in several communities across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states are reeling from deadly attacks by suspected armed herders.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that These attacks have sparked widespread outrage and protests as communities demand urgent government intervention.

Reports indicate that at least 30 people were killed in a series of attacks across these states.

In Ondo, nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped, while two residents were abducted, and four others sustained gun and machete wounds in Edo.

Ondo killings and protests

On Monday, enraged women took to the streets of Akure following the abduction of nine surveyors.

They also protested the killing of villagers in Akure North Local Government Area.

Armed assailants reportedly stormed the communities of Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun over the weekend.

The attacks left a trail of destruction and bloodshed.

Authorities have recovered at least 14 bodies, while search efforts continue.

Some reports suggest as many as 20 villagers were killed.

On Tuesday, Akure, the Ondo State capital, was brought to a standstill as hundreds of women marched in protest.

Carrying leaves as a symbol of distress, they gathered at Ijemikin and marched to the Government Secretariat at Alagbaka.

They chanted solidarity songs, demanding action from the government.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Arowosafe, a relative of one of the kidnapped surveyors, revealed that the abductors had contacted the families.

She said the kidnappers demanded ₦100 million for the release of the victims.

“We want Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to come to our rescue,” she pleaded.

“Our men have been kidnapped since last Tuesday, and the kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million to release them.”

She stressed that the families could not afford the ransom.

Government response and allegations of complicity

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Bola Taiwo, blamed the surveyors.

He said they should not have gone to the site without security protection.

“We shall speak with your leaders if they have reported the incident to the police,” Taiwo stated.

“If they have not, they should do so immediately,” he added.

“The government can only act when such incidents are officially reported.”

He also advised surveyors to always be accompanied by police escorts to prevent such abductions.

Taiwo suggested that there might be insider involvement in the crime.

“No Hausa or Fulani man can come to Ilu-Abo and kidnap without the connivance of a native,” he alleged.

Ondo government and regent clash over killings

The Ondo State governor and the regent of one of the affected communities disagreed over the recent attacks.

Princess Kemisola Adelowo, the regent of Ademekun Community, challenged the government’s claims about the attacks.

The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, dismissed reports of the killings.

He described them as fake news designed to cause panic.

However, Princess Adelowo countered these claims.

She narrated how a group led by a man known as “Iron Body” had sparked tensions in the community before the attack.

“At midnight on Saturday, Fulani herdsmen invaded the communities, shooting and attacking anyone in sight,” she recounted.

“They assumed we were responsible for killing their cattle.”

“Most of those killed were farmers from Taraba and Oyo states.”

“They spared no one – both the old and the young were victims.”

“Buildings were also set ablaze,” she added.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, responded to the crisis.

She said the command’s ongoing “covert operation” would be intensified to flush criminals out of the state.

Violent protests in Benue

In Benue, violent protests erupted in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government.

Suspected herders had ambushed and killed three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.

When their bodies were discovered early Tuesday, enraged youths took to the streets.

They torched the palace of the local traditional ruler and parts of the local government secretariat.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and called for restraint among residents.

He also urged security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Victor Omirin, Chairman of the local government, confirmed the violence.

“Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa,” he stated.

“When their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protests that quickly turned violent.”

The traditional ruler of Naka, Daniel Abomtse, confirmed that his palace was among the properties set ablaze.

“I was in Makurdi for a medical check-up when I got the call,” he said.

“By the time I returned, three vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuables had been destroyed,” he lamented.

The state police command confirmed the protest.

Commissioner of Police Hassan Yabanet personally visited the scene to assess the situation.

Governor Alia condemns attacks

Governor Alia strongly condemned the killing of the three Civil Protection Guards.

He also condemned the destruction of property.

“We understand the deep rage and frustration, but destroying our own infrastructure will not solve the problem,” he said.

“The attack by these marauding herders is a direct affront to the peace and security of our communities,” he added.

He assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to capture the perpetrators.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Communal violence in Nasarawa

A violent clash between farmers and herders in the Farin Dutse community of Nasarawa Local Government Area claimed at least seven lives.

Among the dead was a pregnant woman.

Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel confirmed that the conflict began as a dispute between local youths and a herder.

The dispute led to the killing of one Friday Danladi Jike.

A suspect identified as Sani Allah Gaba was linked to the murder.

“The mob vandalized a police patrol vehicle and later set fire to a nearby Ruga settlement,” Nansel stated.

He confirmed that the violence resulted in the tragic death of Azumi Allah Gaba and her unborn child.

Authorities arrested two suspects.

Additional security personnel were deployed to restore order.

Herders attack Edo

In Edo, suspected herders attacked villages, leaving several residents injured.

Among the victims were two individuals who suffered severe machete wounds.

Four others were hospitalized.

Security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas.

Tensions remain high as residents demand urgent government intervention.

Conclusion

The rising wave of attacks and violent protests across Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states highlights Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

Communities are living in fear, and urgent action is needed to curb the bloodshed and restore peace.

While government officials have called for restraint, the affected communities demand concrete action against the perpetrators.

Security forces are intensifying their operations.

Only time will tell if these measures will bring lasting relief.

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