The Ondo State government has officially denied reports claiming that suspected herder bandits attacked communities in the state, allegedly killing approximately 20 people.
Recent media accounts had suggested that armed men attacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area early Saturday morning, reportedly resulting in over 20 fatalities. These reports identified the affected communities as Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun.
One account claimed that police officers were deployed to the area on Sunday and had recovered at least 14 bodies from the affected communities, with search operations allegedly continuing at the time of the report.
However, state government officials have now stepped forward to categorically deny these claims, stating that no such attacks or casualties occurred. The government’s statement contradicts the circulating reports about violence in these rural communities.
The denial comes amid growing national concerns about security challenges in various parts of Nigeria, particularly conflicts involving armed groups in rural areas.
State authorities have not provided additional details regarding the security situation in the mentioned communities but have firmly dismissed the reports of attacks and casualties as unfounded.