Suspected Herdsmen Invade Ondo Community, Kill, Burn Houses, Ambush Amotekun Guards

By Ayodele Oni

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen invaded Molege community in Ose council area of Ondo State shooting dead three persons.

During the incident, which happened early Friday morning, some houses were set ablaze by the invading herdsmen, who were reportedly angered that the villagers prevented their cows from feeding on their farmlands.

They reportedly mobilized and set the villages and the farms on fire while the villagers took to their heels as they could not confront the fire power of the invaders.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adeleye Adetunji, stated that “while on a routine patrol today at Molege in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State our men were informed that some nearby villages in Molege have been taken over by herdsmen while they burnt down some people’s properties.

“We moved in with three patrol vehicles and took control of the situation in the village.

“On their way back, some men suspected to be herdsmen suddenly opened fire on our men in an unprovoked attack because Amotekun does not want to start shooting people.

“We are trying to find out who they are as an adequate investigation is ongoing.

“We urged the people of the community to go back to their homes as peace has returned back to the village.”

Chief Adetunji was, however, silent on the casualties recorded during the  invasion of the village by the herders.

The State Commissioner of Police,Mr Oyeyemi Oyediran, on Friday, paid a visit to  the affected community, situated in Ose Local Government Area of the state to ascertain the level of damage caused by the suspected marauders, who attacked the camp and razed houses overnight.

The Police Commissioner, during the visit, met with the community members, encouraged them, allayed their fears and vowed to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the evil act accordingly.

Mr Oyeyemi has ordered immediate deployment of men  of the Special Squads and PMF personnel to the community to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.

A statement by the Pice Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that “The command is also using this opportunity to assure the good people of Ondo State of adequate protection of their lives and property  and are enjoined to give the Police genuine information that  will help reduce crime to the barest minimum in the State.”