The community of Oka-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State has been thrown into mourning following the gruesome killing of a local farmer, Mrs. Rabiat Atere, by unidentified assailants suspected to be herdsmen.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Monday, June 23, while Mrs. Atere was tending to her farmland. The late farmer, a native of Ajo Quarter in the Uba-Oka community, was said to have been attacked and murdered in cold blood while carrying out her agricultural activities. Her body, bearing visible machete wounds, was later found abandoned on the farm.
A disturbing video circulated online captured the harrowing sight of her lifeless and unclothed body, fueling widespread anger and sorrow across the community. Her remains were subsequently evacuated and deposited at the morgue in Iwaro-Oka.
Confirming the incident, a local source who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday said: “Yes, it is true. The tragic event did happen. Her corpse was later taken to the mortuary in Iwaro after it was discovered.”
The heinous murder has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly among the youth, under the banner of the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF). The group has expressed deep frustration over the repeated attacks on farmers and the perceived neglect by security agencies.
In a strongly worded statement, the National President of AYF, Ibukun-Oluwa Akeju, decried the killing as barbaric and unacceptable.
“The Akoko Youth Forum strongly condemns the gruesome and unfortunate murder of Mrs. Rabiat Atere — a peaceful farmer and respected indigene of our community. She was reportedly attacked while working on her farmland, an act that is both heartbreaking and enraging.”
Akeju further alleged that the perpetrators are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and described the act as a direct threat to the peace and safety of the Akoko people.
“This heinous act, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani assailants, represents a deliberate assault on our collective peace and security. It is a danger we can no longer endure in silence.”
Adding to the community’s concerns, Akeju expressed disappointment over the lack of prompt security measures following the killing.
“What is even more troubling is that, since the body was recovered by the Nigeria Police, no security presence has been stationed in the area. Our people are now left to live in fear, with no assurance of justice or protection.”
In its demands, the Akoko Youth Forum called on law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions, and relevant authorities to take decisive action. The group insisted that the perpetrators must be identified and prosecuted, and that robust security arrangements must be established to prevent future tragedies.
“We are calling on the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, and other relevant security operatives to swiftly investigate this incident and bring the culprits to justice. We also urge traditional rulers and community stakeholders to collaborate towards restoring peace to our land.”
The AYF concluded by declaring that it would not remain passive in the face of escalating insecurity, especially when it affects law-abiding and vulnerable members of the community.
“We will not watch idly as our people are subjected to violence and bloodshed. We demand immediate government intervention, justice for the deceased, and sustainable security in Akokoland.”