State Govt, Nigerian Police disagree on reported attack, killings in border communities

State Govt, Nigerian Police disagree on reported attack, killings in border communities

In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday, the Ondo state government and the State Police Command presented conflicting accounts regarding an alleged attack by bandits on four border communities in the Akure North Local Government Area, which straddles Ondo and Edo states.

The Ondo state government vehemently denied the reports of the attack, labeling them as entirely false and dismissing the claims of fatalities.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Gbenga Atiba, described the reports as a deliberate attempt to stir panic among the state’s residents.

On the other hand, the State Police Command acknowledged that an attack had indeed occurred in the area, but refrained from confirming the number of casualties, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty. This discrepancy between the state government and police authorities has raised questions and concerns about the true extent of the incident.

Atiba’s statement reads: “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.”

Meanwhile, the police issued a statement through the State Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, confirming awareness of the attack but clarifying that they could not verify the number of casualties.

The statement read, “The attention of the command has been drawn to a misleading report suggesting that the police have confirmed attacks on four communities in Ondo State, with claims 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 has directed that the ongoing covert operation being carried out across the state to rid the command of bad elements be intensified.

“The Command urges journalists and media outlets to verify information from official sources before publication to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic in the State.”