Survivors Of Ondo Killings Narrate Ordeals

Survivors of the recent attack by armed herders in Akure North local government area of Ondo State have narrated how they escaped from the scene of the attack.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the attack took place midnight when unknown gunmen invaded and sacked about four communities in the state.

The affected communities include Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, Ademekun Camp and Aba Alajido Camp within Ala Elefosan.

It was gathered that not less than 20 persons lost their lives in the deadly attack.

One of the survivors, who identified himself simply as John, narrated that the assailants stormed the communities unprovoked, opening fire on residents as they slept.

According to him, many sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in various hospitals, while others fled into the surrounding forest and cocoa plantations for safety.

Another survivors who also narrated their ordeals said they were shot during the attack at Sunday Camp.

Speaking from their hospital beds, the two siblings, John and Solomon Simon, said, ”At least, nine bodies were recovered after the attack. The bandits operated unchallenged and without mercy.”

According to John, “I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. The person beside me had already been shot. As I tried to escape, I was hit in the hand.

“I managed to run into the bush and hid in a cocoa plantation until daybreak. I struggled with my injured hand and made it back in the morning, where I was rushed to the hospital. Nine people were killed in our camp.”

While disclosing the identities of the assailants as Fulani herdsmen, he said, “I have been in Sunday Camp for four years, and we have never harmed any Fulani cattle. We don’t understand why we were attacked.”

Also, his brother, Solomon, said, “The attack happened around 2am. I was not deeply asleep when I heard a loud call, followed by gunfire.

“I summoned the courage to flee before they reached my house. Unfortunately, two of my friends were not so lucky and were killed inside. They were herdsmen. We recovered nine bodies.”