Farmers and residents of Aponmu community in Akure South Local Government Area staged a protest over the invasion and destruction of their farmlands by armed land-grabbers. The protesters, carrying placards with messages like “Stop Destroying Our Farmlands” and “Aponmu Is Not for Sale,” accused the invaders of bulldozing cocoa, cassava, and oil palm farms, often under police protection.
Their spokesperson, Pastor Tope Akinkuade, lamented that the attacks have destroyed livelihoods and could lead to a breakdown of peace if unchecked. The farmers marched to the Ondo State Government House, demanding urgent intervention, investigation, and protection of their land rights.
In response, the government, through the Special Adviser on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, promised to look into the matter. The community, however, insists that previous complaints have been ignored and vowed to continue peaceful protests until the destruction stops.
The incident underscores rising land-grabbing and insecurity issues threatening agriculture and rural livelihoods across Ondo State.