Women from the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area in Ondo State took to the streets half-naked to protest the ongoing kidnappings and killings allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in their community. Their demonstration was a powerful call for immediate action to address the escalating violence and restore safety to their region.
This protest followed the tragic killing of 34-year-old farmer Sunday Ayeni, who was allegedly murdered by suspected herdsmen in Uba-Oka Akoko just 24 hours prior. The women, clad in various garments and without head coverings, stormed the palace of the Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, where a security meeting was taking place. They voiced their outrage, chanting war songs and demanding justice for Ayeni, as well as an end to the attacks by herdsmen in the area.
The women also reported that suspected herdsmen had been raping women on their farmlands and destroying crops. They expressed their frustration, vowing to no longer tolerate the harassment, torture, and kidnappings they have endured.
Mrs. Abigail Ojo, speaking on behalf of the protesters, recounted how the violence had nearly driven them away from their farms. She urged state security agencies to take decisive action to resolve the situation.
In response, the monarch assured the women that their concerns would be addressed by the appropriate authorities. He acknowledged the security challenges faced by Akoko communities and promised to present their grievances to both the State and Federal Governments for urgent intervention.
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