Okada riders, indigenes collaborators with bandits, say Ondo communities
Disturbed residents of Akoko Southeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised fresh alarm over an alleged growing collaboration between commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, and suspected
- Curse informants, collaborators .Seek govt, security agencies urgent help
Disturbed residents of Akoko Southeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised fresh alarm over an alleged growing collaboration between commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, and suspected bandits terrorising some communities in the state.
The aggrieved locals alleged that some riders and a few indigenes serve as informants and logistics suppliers to suspected kidnappers, helping them track movements of travellers, identify soft targets and navigate forest routes used as hideouts.
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Speaking during a protest yesterday in Isua Akoko, the residents lamented that the security situation in their domain and the state at large has worsened despite appeals to authorities, claiming kidnappers often strike with insider knowledge.
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One of the protesters, Abimbola Balogun, said the residents were no longer safe in the community, saying that the victims of kidnapping were trailed from their place of work or marketplace to their homes before being ambushed by bandits.
Mrs Balogun, who lamented over the escalating security crisis, complained that women are targets of abduction.
“They have taken over our communities in Isua and the bandits have informants among us. These criminals don’t just pick people randomly.
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“They know who is coming home from his or her place of work, market place or traveling. Even when they are travelling and even the vehicle they are using. Somebody is giving them information,” she alleged.
Balogun urged traditional rulers and community heads to strengthen vigilance groups and monitor strangers moving in and out of their areas.
Another protester, Oluwafemi Abitogun, alleged that some okada riders ferry food, fuel and other supplies into forest camps for the gunmen under the guise of commercial trips.
He expressed fears that major highways linking the state, particularly with Abuja, Kogi State and neighbouring towns have become unsafe, most especially in the evening.
