Protesters in Ondo State demanded justice after suspected herdsmen killed five farmers. Authorities promised improved security.

Hundreds of protesters stormed the governor's office in Ondo State, Nigeria, on Wednesday to express outrage over the killing of five farmers by suspected armed herdsmen in the Akure North Local Government Area. The demonstrators, predominantly farmers and youths, blocked the road and displayed the victims' bodies in front of the office, demanding justice and stronger security measures in the region.

The tragic incident occurred early Wednesday at Aba Oyinbo when the herdsmen reportedly invaded the farmlands, firing sporadically and killing five individuals. This attack took place just two weeks after 14 people were allegedly murdered by gunmen in four communities within the same local government area.

One of the protesters, identified as Jonah, told Anadolu that the rising number of killings in the state has left farmers feeling unsafe on their lands.

“Our people are being killed by armed herdsmen, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa isn't doing enough to address the killings. There will be war if we retaliate,” Jonah stated.

The demonstrators also threatened to escalate their protests and potentially shut down the state if the government fails to tackle the worsening insecurity.

In response, Ondo State Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami addressed the protesters, assuring them that the government is committed to ending the violence and kidnappings targeting farmers.

“Adequate measures are ongoing to enhance the state's security architecture and make it even safer than before. We condemn the unlawful killing of farmers, and the perpetrators will not go unpunished,” Adelami assured.

The protest has intensified tensions across the state, leaving commuters and motorists stranded due to the roadblocks.

The farmer-herder crisis is a long-standing and significant conflict in Nigeria, rooted in a struggle for diminishing resources. This ongoing dispute has pitted farmers and herders against each other, leading to repeated clashes and tragic losses.