Suspected bandits attacked four villages in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State in the early hours of Saturday, leaving many people dead and forcing residents to flee.
The affected communities are Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun were invaded by gunmen who opened fire on residents.
According to a police source, at least 14 bodies had been recovered as of Monday, while security forces continued searching for more victims.
A resident, identified as Sunday, claimed that the death toll could be much higher, estimating that over 40 people were killed.
He explained that the attacks had started earlier in the week, but the assault on Friday night was the deadliest.
“They attacked us while we were asleep, shooting anyone they saw. Many people escaped into the bush, but others weren’t so lucky. Security forces have recovered some bodies, but more are still missing,” he said.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that officers had been deployed to restore order and investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, expressed her grief, revealing that 14 people were killed in her village alone.
She noted that herders had been a persistent security threat in the area for years and urged the state government to intervene urgently.
Authorities continue to search for missing residents and assess the full extent of the tragedy.
