Tension soared in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday as farmers took to the streets in protest against the alleged killing of five people by suspected herdsmen at Aba Oyinbo community in Akure North Local Government Area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the community in the early hours, unleashing gunfire on the victims before fleeing. The attack comes just two weeks after gunmen reportedly killed at least 14 people across four other communities in the same local government—Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido.

Outraged by the recurring violence, scores of farmers marched to the Governor’s Office, demanding urgent intervention from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters decried the increasing attacks, calling for heightened security measures.

“We are being slaughtered without anyone doing anything,” lamented a protester identified as Jonah. “Akure North is under siege. We are farmers, not criminals. We appeal to the governor, the police, the army, and Amotekun to save us before more lives are lost.”

In response to the growing unrest, security forces were swiftly deployed to the protest site to prevent a breakdown of law and order.