ONDO STATE – A widespread police hunt is underway in Ondo State after the gruesome killing of a woman, Mrs. Rabiat Atere, whose lifeless body was discovered on her farm in the Oka-Akoko area of Akoko South-West Local Government. The shocking discovery has ignited outrage among residents and youth groups, with growing calls for justice and improved security in rural communities.
Mrs. Atere, a respected member of the Ajo Quarter in Uba Oka Community, was reportedly working on her farmland when the tragic incident occurred. Her body was discovered under suspicious circumstances, though the exact cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed.
The incident has sparked widespread fear in the region, with many residents pointing fingers at suspected herdsmen, alleging that she may have fallen victim to a targeted attack.
Police Hunt Begins as Investigation Deepens
Confirming the tragic incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said law enforcement operatives have launched a police hunt to track down the individuals responsible for the murder.
“I can confirm the incident to you,” Ayanlade stated in a telephone interview on Wednesday. “The Ondo State Police Command has launched a manhunt to ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law. We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served.”
Mrs. Atere’s body has since been deposited at a medical facility in the Iwaro-Oka Community, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted to aid in the investigation.
The killing has sent shockwaves throughout the Oka-Akoko community and beyond. In response, the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF) released a strongly worded statement condemning the act and calling for urgent government intervention and accountability from security agencies.
Mr. Ibukunoluwa Akeju, the National President of the AYF, issued the statement on behalf of the group.
“The Akoko Youth Forum strongly condemns the gruesome and unfortunate killing of Mrs. Rabiat Atere, a peaceful farmer and indigene of Ajo Quarter in Uba Oka Community, who was reportedly attacked and murdered while working on her farm,” the statement read.
The AYF alleged that the killing was carried out by suspected Fulani assailants, calling the act a “direct attack on the peace and safety of our people.”
“This heinous act is a threat we can no longer tolerate,” the group emphasized. “We call on the Nigerian Police Force, the Ondo State Government, and relevant security agencies to expedite their efforts and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
This latest incident has reignited concerns about escalating insecurity in rural areas across Nigeria, particularly in farming communities where farmers have increasingly reported clashes with armed groups and suspected herders. Residents claim that attacks on farmers, often by suspected armed assailants, have become more frequent, leading to displacement and fear.
Community leaders in Oka-Akoko have appealed to security agencies to increase patrols and deploy more personnel to protect rural dwellers, especially women and the elderly who frequently work alone in farmlands.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said a local resident who requested anonymity. “Our people can no longer go to their farms with peace of mind. The government needs to act before we lose more lives.”
As the police hunt continues, civil society organizations and traditional rulers are also speaking out, urging the government to address the root causes of rural insecurity and take decisive steps to protect citizens.
The Ondo State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but pressure is mounting for a coordinated and transparent investigation.
Meanwhile, residents of Oka-Akoko and surrounding areas are mourning the loss of a community member many described as kind-hearted, hardworking, and committed to the land she farmed.
“She did not deserve to die like this,” said a neighbor. “She was just trying to provide for her family.”
As authorities intensify their police hunt for those responsible for the brutal killing of Mrs. Rabiat Atere, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s rural communities. While the community waits for answers and justice, the call is clear: security must be a priority, and no Nigerian should live in fear while trying to earn an honest living.
Source- Punch
