…Call for Military Post in Famnilugba Community
By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja
The House of Representatives has strongly condemned the recent massacre and kidnapping of residents in Igbatoro Famnilugba Community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, by armed herdsmen.
In response, the House called on the Federal Government to establish a military post in Igbatoro to curb further killings and kidnappings of innocent farmers in the area.
The lawmakers also urged the government to take swift and decisive action to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, while ensuring the immediate release of kidnapped victims.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled: “Need for the Federal Government to Intervene in the Massacre and Kidnapping at Igbatoro Famnilugba Community in Akure North by Armed Herdsmen.” The motion was sponsored by Rep. Abiodun Derin Adesida during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate, Rep. Adesida recounted that gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, attacked four communities in Akure North in the early hours of Saturday, killing several residents in a midnight raid.
“The recent massacre and kidnapping at Igbatoro Famnilugba Community on March 1, 2025, was carried out by a group of armed herdsmen who killed multiple people and kidnapped a farmer, later released after a ransom payment of ₦1.2 million,” he stated.
He noted that the affected communities—Igbatoro Famnilugba, Ajegunle, Bolorunduro, Egbeta, OjuMola, Ago-Ada, Obatedo, Asaboro, Ago-Alhaji, Araromi Camp, Sunday Camp, Power Line Camp, Ago-Dada, and Ala Elefosan—are predominantly farming settlements producing agricultural goods in commercial quantities.
Expressing concern over the scale of destruction, Rep. Adesida added: “On March 6, 2025, herdsmen attacked villages in Igbatoro Famnilugba, particularly Sunday and Alhajido Camps, killing nine helpless persons in the dead of night. Those attempting to escape were brutally macheted, while houses were set ablaze.”
“The attacks began earlier in the week, but the most brutal assault happened on Friday night, when the bandits struck while residents were asleep, firing indiscriminately. Many ran into the bush, while some were not so fortunate.”
He lamented that the attacks have caused immense suffering, trauma, and devastation to affected families and the community at large, adding that the perpetrators have shown no regard for human life, dignity, or the rule of law.
Citing Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the Federal Government to protect the lives and property of citizens, Adesida stressed the urgent need for preventive measures to ensure security and safety.
Following deliberations, the House:
Observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims.
Directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to affected communities.
Mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence to investigate the massacre and kidnappings and report back within four weeks.
Instructed the National Emergency Disaster Preparedness Agency to ensure compliance with all directives.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice and security for the people of Ondo State.
The post Reps condemn massacre, kidnapping by armed herdsmen in Ondo appeared first on Vanguard News.
