Nigeria Villagers Flee as Herdsmen Attacks Intensify in Ondo State, Amotekun Faces Security Challenges

In Ondo State, escalating attacks from herdsmen-turned-bandits have prompted villagers to flee their homes, causing a significant displacement of residents. The region has faced persistent challenges of kidnappings, killings, and disruptions to business activities, raising concerns about the safety of lives and property.

The farmers-herders conflict in the Southwestern part of Nigeria has claimed over 4,000 lives since 2015, and the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data reveals a total loss of at least 8,343 lives in the farmers-herders conflict since 2005.

Despite the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, 'Amotekun,' by the South-West governors, the security outfit struggles to counter the frequent attacks from herdsmen.

Residents express doubts about Amotekun's efficacy, citing instances where the herders have seemingly overwhelmed the security corps in certain areas, leaving the affected communities in fear and vulnerability. Farmers recount harrowing experiences of attacks on their farmlands, highlighting the precarious security situation in the state.

Travelers have also fallen victim to assaults, contributing to a broader security crisis in the region.