By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the federal government to take immediate action to address the gruesome attacks on communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by suspected armed herdsmen.
The lawmakers equally mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to investigate the killings and kidnappings and report its findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
The National Emergency Disaster Preparedness Agency was also instructed to ensure compliance with the resolutions.
The House resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House moved by Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida, who lamented the scale of killings and kidnappings in Igbatoro Familugba and surrounding communities.
He said 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.
He emphasized that Section 14 (2) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens, making its intervention in the crisis necessary.
Lawmakers also condemned the massacre and kidnappings while calling on the Federal Government to establish a military post in Igbatoro Community to prevent further attacks.
The House further urged the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators while ensuring the urgent release of any kidnapped victims.
Recognizing the hardship faced by survivors, it directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to affected families.
In response, the House of Representatives resolved to observe a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives.
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