By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

Rising from a parliamentary meeting today at the Assembly complex, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker of the House, Chief Olamide Oladiji, have strongly condemned the recent killings of two farmers in different Local Government Areas of Akoko by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

Barely a week after the gruesome murder of one Sunday Ayeni in Uba Oka, Akoko South West Local Government, an 18-year-old, Joshua Gbolahan, was hacked to death on his farm at Ifira Akoko in Akoko South-East area of the state.

In a press release made available to journalists today in Akure by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Chief Olatunji Oshati, the lawmakers urged the people in the affected areas to maintain the existing peace in the state.

While sympathising with the families of the deceased, the Speaker of the House called on security agencies in the state to take swift action and ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice.

Oladiji, who also admonished the people in the areas to remain peaceful and avoid any form of violence, assured them that the government is already investigating the matter and would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the killers are arrested.

Speaking earlier, the lawmaker representing Akoko South East Constituency, Suleiman Murtala, expressed concern and sadness over the suspected herdsmen’s activities, warning that such incidents may discourage farmers from working if not promptly addressed.

Describing the killings as unfortunate and barbaric, the lawmaker assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

The House Deputy Minority Leader, who represents Akoko South West 1 Constituency, Daodu Oluwatoyin Raymond, charged the security apparatus in the state to step up their efforts and maintain peace in the Akoko area.

He later appealed to the youth in the area to avoid considering reprisal attacks.

“The activities of the herdsmen are driving farmers away and jeopardising the region’s status as the food basket of the state. I appeal to my brothers and sisters, especially the youth, to avoid considering reprisals,” he said.