The protest followed the recent brutal murder of a local farmer, Sunday Ayeni, who was found dead on his farm with machete wounds and exposed intestines, indicating a violent attack.
This tragic incident occurred just days after Ayeni received compensation from herdsmen for the destruction of his farm by their cattle.
A community resident, speaking anonymously, revealed that Ayeni’s farm was destroyed by herdsmen last week.
The situation was initially resolved with the intervention of security agents and community elders, leading to the payment of an undisclosed sum as compensation to Ayeni by the herdsmen.
During the protest, the women, who were half-naked and without head coverings, marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, while chanting solidarity songs. They also accused the herdsmen of raping women on their farmlands and destroying their crops.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Abigail Ojo recounted their fears, explaining that many women have abandoned their farms due to the threat of herdsmen attacks.
She called on security agencies to address the issue, saying, “We are protesting to let the government know our plight.”
Ondo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed that investigations into the killings are underway, expressing hope that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
Ondo State is among several states grappling with the menace of kidnappings and killings by suspected herdsmen.
In July 2024, armed men killed two commuters and kidnapped five others along the Ifon-Owo Highway. The driver and a female passenger were shot dead, while five other passengers, including a corps member, were abducted. Two victims later escaped with injuries.
Similarly, late last year, 25 choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan in Akure, were kidnapped along the Owo-Ose axis while traveling to a burial ceremony. Although eight victims managed to escape, the others were reportedly released after paying a hefty ransom.