Reps seek FG’s intervention in Ondo kidnappings

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to take immediate action following the gruesome attacks on communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by suspected armed herdsmen.

Recognizing the hardship faced by survivors, the House also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to affected families.

Earlier, raising the matter as one of urgent public importance on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida, lamented the scale of killings and kidnappings in Igbatoro Familugba and surrounding communities. 

He said that the attackers, believed to be herdsmen, stormed the area on March 1, 2025, killing several residents and abducting a farmer, who was later released after a ₦1.2 million ransom was paid.

The violence escalated on March 6, when armed men raided more villages within Igbatoro Familugba, particularly Sunday and Alhajido camps, killing nine persons in their sleep, hacking others with machetes as they attempted to escape, and setting houses ablaze. Many residents fled into the bush for safety, while others were not so lucky.

The affected communities—Igbatoro Familugba, Ajegunle, Bolorunduro, Egbeta, Ojumola, Ago-Ada, Obatedo, Asaboro, Ago-Alhaji, Araromi Camp, Sunday Camp, Power Line Camp, Ago-Dada, and Ala Elefosan—are predominantly agrarian, producing food in large commercial quantities. 

He said the attacks have left families grieving, displaced residents, and severely disrupted farming activities in the area.

Describing the situation as an immense humanitarian crisis, Hon. Adesida condemned the disregard for human life, dignity, and the rule of law displayed by the attackers.