Ondo Police Launch Special Unit to Tackle Rising Violent Crimes

Police Nab Fake Midwife, Prophetess Over Suspected Maternal Deaths in Ondo The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a self-acclaimed midwife and a prophetess, in connection with separate cases of alleged maternal and infant deaths in Akure and Emure-Ile. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests followed tragic incidents recorded under suspicious circumstances in both locations. In the first case, reported on April 16, 2026, a woman identified as Mrs. Bawa Blessing reportedly died after going into labour at a private residence in the Gloryland area of Akure. The residence, said to belong to one Elizabeth Aremu, who allegedly posed as a midwife, became the scene of the tragedy after the victim developed complications shortly after delivery and died before she could be moved to a hospital. Police detectives who visited the location discovered the lifeless body of a newborn wrapped in a sack. The suspect was subsequently arrested. In a separate incident reported on April 11, 2026, a 20-year-old woman, Genifer Sunday, was taken to a church in Emure-Ile during labour. The church’s prophetess, identified as Blessing Efiong, allegedly handled the delivery. The newborn reportedly died at the scene, while the mother later died en route to a hospital after developing complications. The prophetess has also been taken into custody. The police said the remains of the deceased mothers and their infants have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Federal Medical Centre morgue for preservation and autopsy. The Command assured that comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the deaths and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. It also cautioned the public against seeking medical care from unqualified individuals, stressing the importance of using licensed healthcare facilities, particularly for critical procedures such as childbirth. The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the support and leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies as efforts continue to curb criminal practices across the state.

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Ondo Police Launch Special Unit to Tackle Rising Violent Crimes

2nd May, 2026

The Ondo State Police Command has established a new Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to boost rapid response and curb violent crimes across the state.
The initiative, unveiled during a capacity-building programme at the Police Officers’ Mess in Alagbaka, Akure on April 29, 2026, is designed to enhance operational efficiency through intelligence-led and specialized policing.
According to the Command, the VCRU will focus on addressing serious offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other threats to public safety, while maintaining strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
To ensure swift intervention, the unit has been divided into three operational zones: the North Zone along the Owo Expressway, the Central Zone headquartered at the SWAT office in Akure, and the South Zone covering the Ore axis.
Personnel assigned to the unit were selected based on competence and experience and have undergone specialized training to handle complex security challenges.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal described the development as a major step toward strengthening policing capacity and restoring public confidence. He noted that the unit would operate within a disciplined and accountable framework aimed at delivering measurable results.
The Command also commended the Inspector-General of Police for driving reforms that prioritize proactive and modern policing strategies.
Residents were urged to support the initiative by providing timely and credible information, with assurances that the unit would uphold professionalism and maintain zero tolerance for misconduct.
The Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while fostering collaboration with the public to ensure a safer Ondo State.