By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has revealed that some indigenes of communities experiencing banditry in the state are among suspects so far arrested by security agents.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stamp out insecurity in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area, pledging decisive action against criminal elements operating in the axis.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during a familiarization and condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following a series of violent attacks within the communities.
Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that measures were already being intensified to restore calm and safeguard lives and property.
He described the recent killings as deeply disturbing, citing the murder of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm in a forest area, as well as the shooting of a young man in Ilado who resisted abduction.
He insisted that such acts would not be tolerated, noting that although insecurity is a nationwide concern, the state government remains committed to protecting its citizens.
The governor disclosed that security agencies, including the police, Civil Defence Corps and the military, are working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities.
While acknowledging progress in tackling kidnapping for ransom, he warned that the recent spate of killings indicated a troubling shift that must be urgently addressed.
According to him, more than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged to court, while operations are ongoing to flush out criminal elements hiding in forest enclaves.
Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that Amotekun posts would be established within the troubled communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time.
He said the state government would also collaborate with the military to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations, expressing confidence that increased security presence would deter criminal activities.
Calling for collective action, the governor urged residents, particularly youths, elders, hunters and vigilantes, to cooperate with security agencies.
He warned against harbouring criminals, noting that such actions undermine efforts to combat insecurity through the leakage of vital information.
He disclosed that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for their involvement in criminal activities and appealed to residents to provide credible intelligence to security operatives.
He assured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety through lawful and structured interventions.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, expressed concern over the attacks, describing them as unfortunate.
He noted that although the governor was out of the state at the time of the incidents, he remained in constant touch with leaders of the communities and security agencies.
Ogunbolude appealed to residents to support government efforts with constructive contributions.
In his remarks, the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, commended the governor’s intervention, particularly the ongoing road construction, which he said would help address security challenges.
However, he lamented the lack of firearms for vigilantes, noting that it had hampered their effectiveness.
The monarch also criticised the delayed response of some security operatives, alleging that certain personnel operate without adequate weapons.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
