Authorities in Ondo State have presented conflicting accounts regarding a reported attack on four communities in Akure North Local Government Area.
While the state government dismissed the reports as false, the police acknowledged an attack on one community but refuted claims of mass casualties.
Initial reports alleged that armed herdsmen launched a midnight raid on Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido within Ala Elefosan, displacing residents.
Some sources claimed that 20 farmers were killed during the incident.
However, the Ondo State government has denied the claim, stating that no such attack took place.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, the government described the reports as “absolute falsehood” aimed at inciting panic.
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious report circulating online, alleging that armed herdsmen attacked communities in Ondo State and killed farmers. This claim is entirely false and intended to create unnecessary fear,” Atiba said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and urged people to go about their daily activities without fear.
Meanwhile, the state police command has also dismissed reports that 20 farmers were killed.
In a statement released on Monday night, the command clarified that there was an attack at Sunday Camp, a settlement along the Ondo-Edo boundary, but there was no confirmation of multiple fatalities.
The statement reads, “The attention of the command has been drawn to a misleading report claiming that the police confirmed attacks on four communities in Ondo State and that 20 farmers were killed.”
The command stressed that it never confirmed the casualty figures being circulated.
“For the record, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ala received information regarding an attack at Sunday Camp, a settlement along the boundary of Ondo and Edo States, on March 8, 2025
“However, the Police command never confirmed the killing of 20 farmers, as falsely reported.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Ala received information about an attack on March 8, 2025. However, the command did not confirm the killing of 20 farmers, as falsely reported,” the statement read.
Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi has since ordered security operatives to intensify operations to flush out criminal elements in the state.
