Women from Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets half-naked to protest the relentless kidnapping and killings allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen in their community.
The women expressed their security concerns and demanded immediate action to address the violence and restore safety in their area.
The protest is coming barely 24 hours after the killing of 34-year-old farmer Sunday Ayeni in Uba-Oka Akoko by suspected herdsmen.
The enraged women —dressed in various garments and without head coverings—stormed the palace of Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, during a security meeting to voice their anger.
Chanting war songs, the women condemned the recent violence and called for justice for Ayeni, as well as an end to herdsmen attacks in the region. They also reported that suspected herdsmen had raped women on their farmlands and destroyed crops.
The women vowed to no longer tolerate harassment, torture, and kidnappings by herdsmen.
Mrs. Abigail Ojo, speaking for the protesters, described how they had nearly abandoned their farms due to the violence and urged state security agencies to find effective solutions.
In response, the monarch assured that the matter would be addressed by relevant authorities, acknowledging that Akoko communities are already
struggling with security issues.
He promised to present the women’s concerns to both the State and Federal Governments for urgent intervention.