Suspected herders have killed a 18-year-old farmer, Joshua Gbolahan in Ifira Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This came a week after a 36-year-old Sunday Ayeni was similarly slain on his farm in Uba Oka, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.

It was gathered on Wednesday that the latest incident, happened on Tuesday while the lifeless body of the victim was discovered after he was allegedly macheted to death by unknown assailants suspected to be herdsmen.

Eyewitnesses reported that Gbolahan’s body was later recovered by the police at Isua Akoko and transferred to the morgue at Ipe Akoko General Hospital.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the development, noting that the command swiftly deployed its personnel to the area and a suspect has been arrested.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the community has been left reeling, with farmers gripped with fear as they confront the persistent threat of herdsmen attacks.

Traditional rulers and community leaders in the area have convened emergency meetings to address the escalating violence.

Basically, the Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona Olasehinde, who also chairs the Akoko Divisional Council of Obas, has decried the killings, describing it as “callous, wicked, and unacceptable.”

He lamented that the unchecked activities of the herdsmen are driving farmers away from their fields, jeopardising the region’s status as a critical food basket for the state.

Oba Adetona also called on the government and security agencies to step up their efforts to restore peace and security in Akoko, warning that the continued neglect of the situation could have dire consequences for the community and beyond. (THISDAY, excluding headline)