Ondo Community Women Strip Down to Protest Incessant Kidnappings, Killings By Armed Herdsmen

In a bold demonstration, women from Akoko Southwest Local Government Area in Ondo State took to the streets, partially clad, to demand an end to the surge in kidnappings and killings allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen in their community. The protest, which coincided with a security meeting at the palace of Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, was sparked by the recent murder of 34-year-old farmer Sunday Ayeni.

The women, adorned in various attire and without head coverings, converged on the palace, chanting war songs and expressing their outrage over the escalating violence. They called for justice for Ayeni and an immediate halt to the herdsmen’s attacks, which have included rape, crop destruction, and harassment.

Mrs. Abigail Ojo, spokesperson for the protesters, highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on their livelihoods, stating that they had almost abandoned their farms due to fear. She urged state security agencies to devise effective solutions to address the crisis.

In response, the monarch acknowledged the severity of the security issues plaguing Akoko communities and assured the women that their concerns would be presented to both state and federal authorities for prompt intervention.