By Funmilayo Akinyemi
The Ondo Police Command has refuted reports that it confirmed alleged massacre of over 20 persons in an attack on four communities in the State, as reported by some media organizations.
The State Government also denied report of the purported attack and massacre in the area.
The earlier reports had it that over 20 farmers were massacred in a brutal midnight assault at Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp, and Aba Alajido Camp, all in Akure North Local Government Area of the State.
But, the State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, in a statement on Monday, titled, Re: Attack on four communities in Ondo State, described the reports as false and misleading.
“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 twenty (20) farmers were killed
“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 Command is aware of the attack on Sunday Camp and the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi psc+, mnips, has directed that the ongoing covert operation being carried out across the state to rid the command of bad elements be intensified,” Odunlami said.
She, however, urged journalists and media outlets to verify information from official source before publication to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.
Similarly, the State Government in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, Chief Olugbenga Atiba, also denied the purported attack.
Atiba in the statement titled: Report of Herdsmen Attacks in Ondo State is False, described the reports as malicious.
He said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious report being circulated by some section of the online media that armed herdsmen attacked communities in Ondo state and killed some farmers.
“We want to state categorically that this report is not only an absolute falsehood but an attempt by the sponsors of the fake news to create panic among the residents of the state.
“For the umpteenth time, we advise the purveyors of this hoax to desist from such an act that is capable of creating chaos, disunity and distrust between the people and the government.
“It is public knowledge that the government of Ondo state, efficiently-led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, prioritizes the security of lives and property of every resident of the state where they live, work and play.
“We, therefore, enjoin our people in the state to continue to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as the state government has created a peaceful and safe ambience for all and sundry.”
