Ondo cracks down on insecurity as Aiyedatiwa announces arrest of over 100 suspected kidnappers
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has disclosed that security agencies have arrested more than 100 suspected kidnappers who are currently facing prosecution as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has disclosed that security agencies have arrested more than 100 suspected kidnappers who are currently facing prosecution as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity across the state.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following a series of violent attacks in the Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area.
The governor, who sympathised with the families of victims, described the killings as disturbing and unacceptable. He assured residents that decisive measures were being implemented to restore peace and protect lives and property.
He referenced recent incidents, including the killing of a poultry farmer and her daughter at their farm, as well as the shooting of a young man in Ilado who reportedly resisted abduction.
According to Aiyedatiwa, security agencies have intensified operations in forest areas believed to be hideouts for criminal elements.
“More than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained, and charged to court, while operations are ongoing to flush out criminals from their hideouts,” he said.
He added that a joint security effort involving the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups, is currently underway to secure affected communities and surrounding forests.
While acknowledging that insecurity is a nationwide concern, the governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate criminal activities in any part of Ondo State.
He also announced plans to establish Amotekun posts in the affected communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time, noting that collaboration with the military will be strengthened to monitor vulnerable areas.
Aiyedatiwa urged residents, particularly youths, traditional leaders, hunters, and vigilantes, to support security agencies with timely and credible information, warning against harbouring criminal elements.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for their involvement in criminal activities.
Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, the governor said ongoing road projects in the area will be accelerated to a reasonable stage before the onset of the rainy season.
Earlier, the chairman of Akure North Local Government, Hon. Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate and urged residents to cooperate with government efforts to restore peace.
Remarking, the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, lauded the governor’s intervention but raised concerns over the lack of firearms for vigilantes and the delayed response by some security operatives.
Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, called for improved security infrastructure, noting that a vast area spanning about 182 kilometres is served by only one police station located several kilometres away.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of prompt response to credible intelligence, adding that additional personnel had been deployed to the affected areas.
