Youths Kick Against Killing of three Farmers in Ondo

A group, the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC), has raised the alarm over what it described as the “senseless attacks and killings of local farmers” by suspected armed bandits in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In a statement yesterday in Akure, the group said that no fewer than three farmers were murdered at Ala in the Igbatoro area of the council by bandits terrorising the axis.

No fewer than 20 farmers have been killed in Akure North LGA within the past seven months, amid a wave of criminal activities by suspected armed bandits terrorising the area.

According to the statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Afe Adegboyega, the killings of the local farmers were “heart-wrenching and unacceptable.”

The group noted that the murder of hardworking farmers was a painful reminder that many farming communities remain unsafe despite repeated assurances from security agencies.

“Our farmers are the backbone of local food production. When they can no longer go to their farms without fear, our collective survival as a people is threatened. The time to act is now before insecurity consumes more innocent lives,” he said.

SNYC lamented the rising insecurity that continues to threaten the peace and livelihood of rural dwellers in Akure and its environs.

It called on all security agencies – particularly the Amotekun Corps – to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property rather than engaging in internal wrangling and factional disputes.

The group further urged improved collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance in rural communities.

“As youth representatives, the congress reaffirms its commitment to standing with the people of Ala Igbatoro and the entire Akure Kingdom in demanding accountability, protection, and peace,” it added.

The group also urged the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government Area, and the member representing Akure North in the Ondo State House of Assembly to urgently intervene and ensure justice for the slain farmers.

The group stressed that decisive action must be taken to prevent a recurrence and to reassure citizens that their safety remains a top government priority.