The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday condemned gruesome murder of two farmers by unknown killers in the Akoko area of the state.
This is a contained in a statement from the parliamentary meeting of the House of the Assembly by Chief Olatunji Oshati, the Chairman of the House’s Committee on Information.
“ Rising from the parliamentary meeting on the 15th of August, 2024 at the Assembly complex, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker of the House, Chief Olamide Oladiji have in strong terms condemned the recent killings of two farmers in two different Local Government Areas of Akoko by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
“Barely a week after the gruesome murder of one Sunday Ayeni in Uba Oka, Akoko South West LGA, an 18-year old Joshua Gbolahan was hacked to death in his farm at Ifira Akoko in Akoko South-East area of the state,” the statement read.
The statement quoted the the lawmakers urging the people in the areas to sustain the existing peace in the state, saying that the government would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.
“Why sympathizing with the families of the deceased, the Speaker of the House, called on security agencies in the state to take swift action and make sure that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to book
“Chief Oladiji who also admonished the people in the areas to remain peaceful and avoid any form of violence, assured that government is already investigating the matter and would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers are arrested,” the statement stated.
The statement stated that the lawmaker representing Akoko South East Constituency,
Hon. Suleiman Murtala, expressed concern and sadness over the suspected herdsmen’s activities, saying the killing might discourage farmers from going to farm if not promptly addressed.
It added that the lawmaker described killing as unfortunate and barbaric and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the perpetrators faced the full wrath of the law.
The statement said that the House Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Raymond Daodu, tasked the security apparatus in the state to step up its efforts and maintain peace in Akoko land.
It said that Daodu, who represents Akoko South West 1 Constituency, appealed to the youth in the area to avoid considering reprisal attacks.
“The activities of the herdsmen are driving farmers away and jeopardizing the region’s status as food basket for the state .
“ I appeal to my brothers and sisters, especially the youth, to avoid considering reprisal”, the statement quoted Daodu.