In the Akoko area of Ondo State, a group of women, deeply troubled by the escalating violence and insecurity, staged a peaceful protest to demand action. Some of the women, many of whom were elderly, participated in the demonstration partially dressed as a sign of their distress and outrage over the deteriorating security situation.
The protest was organized in response to a series of violent incidents, including the recent brutal murder of a farmer named Sunday Ayeni. Ayeni was killed on his land following a conflict with suspected herdsmen. His body, along with his hunting dog, was discovered by a search party over the weekend. This horrifying incident has heightened fears among local farmers, who have been forced to leave their farmlands due to concerns about their safety.
The women marched through the streets of their community, expressing their frustration and fear over the ongoing violence, kidnappings, and destruction of their agricultural lands. Their protest aimed to draw attention to the grave security issues affecting their lives and to seek justice for those who have been victimized.
During a security meeting held at the palace of the Olubaka of Oka, Adebori Adeleye, the women voiced their demands for immediate action and justice for the victims of the frequent attacks. Mrs. Abigail Ojo, the spokesperson for the group, accused the suspected herdsmen of committing further atrocities, including raping some women on their farms and destroying their crops. She highlighted the severe impact these attacks have had on their livelihoods and safety.
“We have been driven away from our farms by fear,” Ojo said. “We cannot tolerate these senseless killings any longer. All of this has to stop.” She urged the security agencies to take decisive steps to address the violence and provide protection for the community.
The protest also served as a platform for the women to express their demands for improved security measures and for authorities to take their plight seriously.
Many of them have abandoned their farms and are determined not to return until they receive adequate security and protection.
In response to the protest, the traditional ruler, Mr. Adeleye, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the women that the relevant security agencies were actively working to address the security challenges in the area.
He emphasized that efforts are being made to enhance safety and restore order, and he promised that the concerns raised by the protesters would be conveyed to the authorities for prompt action.
