In Aponmu community, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, hundreds of farmers and residents staged a demonstration today against what they describe as the invasion and destruction of their farmlands by suspected land‑grabbers. (Vanguard News)
The protesters marched to the state governor’s office in Akure, holding placards reading “Stop Destroying Our Farmlands”, “Powerful People Have Taken Over Our Cocoa Farms”, and “Aponmu Is Not for Sale”. (Vanguard News) They claim over 500 farmers have been displaced and that crops worth millions of naira – especially cocoa – have been destroyed. (Vanguard News)
One community leader, Tope Akinkuade, warned of a possible breakdown of law and order if the government fails to act, citing that the farmlands span more than 1,000 hectares and that some government officials might be involved. (The Nation Newspaper)
Government Response:
The state government responded earlier this year with a press statement denying claims of unlawful land sales, stating that many of the protesting farmers occupy areas unlawfully and that the state’s actions are within legal frameworks. (ondostate.gov.ng)
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