Residents of Ondo, Benue, and Nasarawa states are living in fear after a series of deadly attacks by suspected armed herders left at least 30 people dead. The attacks, which took place in different communities across the three states, have led to widespread anger, protests, and calls for urgent government intervention.
In Ondo, nine surveyors were reportedly kidnapped, while in Edo, two residents were abducted and four others sustained serious injuries from gun and machete attacks. The wave of violence has left many communities devastated, with local leaders and residents urging security forces to act swiftly.
Ondo Massacre: Women Protest Over Abductions and Killings
Tension reached a boiling point in Ondo State when armed assailants stormed several communities in Akure North Local Government Area over the weekend. The attackers left a trail of bloodshed in Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun villages, leading to the deaths of numerous villagers. Authorities have so far recovered 14 bodies, while local reports suggest that up to 20 people may have been killed.
In response to the escalating violence, enraged women took to the streets of Akure on Monday to protest against the insecurity plaguing their communities. The protesters, carrying leaves and chanting solidarity songs, marched from the Ijemikin area to the Ondo State Government Secretariat at Alagbaka. Their primary demand was the immediate intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to rescue the kidnapped surveyors and ensure justice for those killed.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Arowosafe, one of the protesters, told journalists that the kidnappers had contacted the families of the surveyors and demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release.
“We want to call on Governor Aiyedatiwa to come to our rescue. Our men have been kidnapped since last Tuesday, and the kidnappers are demanding N100 million to release them, which we cannot afford,” she lamented.
Government Response Sparks Controversy
In response to the protests, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Bola Taiwo, addressed the women on behalf of the state governor. He blamed the surveyors for going to the site without security escorts, suggesting that such protection could have prevented their abduction.
“Nowadays, surveyors going to the site should go with police escorts. If they do, no gunmen would abduct them. No one can kidnap anyone without internal collaborators,” Taiwo stated.
His remarks sparked further anger among the women, especially when he suggested that some natives of the community might have been involved in the kidnappings.
“No Hausa or Fulani man can come to Ilu-Abo and kidnap anyone without the connivance of one of the natives. It is your people that kidnapped the nine surveyors,” Taiwo alleged.
This statement ignited even more outrage, with many residents accusing the government of downplaying the severity of the attacks.
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Regent Clashes With Government Over Killings
Adding to the tension, the government and the regent of one of the affected communities, Princess Kemisola Adelowo of Ademekun, disagreed over the extent of the killings.
On Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, dismissed reports of the attacks as “fake news” meant to cause panic among residents.
However, during a radio interview on Tuesday, Princess Adelowo refuted the government’s claim, insisting that the attack was real and that many lives were lost.
Adelowo said, “I was told that a group of armed men stormed our community, claiming they came to prevent herders from entering the area. Later, they killed about a hundred cows, which led to a deadly retaliation by the herders.”
She stated, “At midnight on Saturday, Fulani herdsmen invaded our community, shooting and attacking anyone in sight. They assumed we were responsible for the cows that were killed. Most of the victims were farmers from Taraba and Oyo states. They spared no one – they killed both old and young and also set buildings on fire.”
Benue Boils: Traditional Ruler’s Palace Burnt Over Killings
In Benue State, violent protests erupted in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area, after suspected herders ambushed and killed three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.
The discovery of their bodies early Tuesday triggered an angry reaction from local youths, who stormed the streets in a violent demonstration. In their rage, they set fire to the palace of the traditional ruler, Ter Naka, as well as parts of the local government secretariat.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the local government, Victor Omirin, said the attack on the security guards had enraged the youths, leading to the destruction of property.
“Yes, they razed the secretariat and the Ter Naka palace. The killing of three protection guards in Garuwa triggered the protests. But unfortunately, hoodlums hijacked the demonstration,” Omirin said.
Traditional ruler Daniel Abomtse, whose palace was burnt down, expressed shock over the attack.
“I was in Makurdi for a medical check-up when I received a call that my palace had been set on fire. They burnt three vehicles, motorcycles, and other valuables,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and the violent protests that followed. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia urged residents to exercise restraint.
“We understand the frustration of our people, but we must not allow our anger to destroy our own communities. The killing of our security personnel is unacceptable, and we are working to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Alia stated.
Nasarawa Communal Clash Claims Lives, Pregnant Woman Killed
In Nasarawa State, a longstanding dispute between farmers and herders in the Farin Dutse community of Nasarawa Local Government Area escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving at least seven people dead, including a pregnant woman.
The conflict reportedly began as a small dispute before spiraling out of control. The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence, while security forces had been deployed to prevent further bloodshed.
Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel provided details on the attack.
“On March 9, 2025, a dispute in the Farin Dutse community led to the killing of one Friday Danladi Jike by a suspect identified as Sani Allah Gaba. In retaliation, a violent mob attacked the suspect’s residence, setting fire to the area. This led to the unfortunate death of one Azumi Allah Gaba and her unborn child,” Nansel said.
In a separate attack on March 10, suspected herders stormed the community, killing six people and injuring three others. The assailants also vandalized houses, shops, and vehicles before security forces intervened.
To restore order, mobile police officers and military personnel were deployed, while a stakeholders’ meeting was held to address the root causes of the conflict.
The wave of killings and abductions across these states has sparked nationwide concern, with civil society groups, religious leaders, and human rights activists calling for urgent action.
“The level of violence in these states is alarming. The government must do more to protect citizens and hold those responsible accountable,” said human rights activist Femi Olukoya.