Aiyedatiwa Orders Security Crackdown After Fresh Killings in Ondo Communities
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed an intensified security crackdown in parts of Akure North Local Government Area following a wave of deadly attacks, vowing that criminal elements operating in the area will be decisively flushed out.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities, where recent violence has claimed lives and heightened fears among residents.
Speaking at the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, Aiyedatiwa described the killings as disturbing, citing the murder of a female farmer and her daughter, as well as the shooting of a young man who resisted abduction in Ilado.
He assured affected communities that security measures were being strengthened to restore peace and protect lives and property, stressing that his administration would not tolerate criminality in any part of the state.
The governor disclosed that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, are working closely with local hunters and vigilantes to comb forests and secure vulnerable areas.
According to him, more than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged to court, while operations are ongoing to dismantle criminal hideouts.
As part of new measures, Aiyedatiwa announced plans to establish Amotekun Corps posts in the affected communities to boost surveillance and response time. He added that collaboration with the military would be expanded to improve monitoring of flashpoints.
He urged residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence, warning against harbouring criminals or leaking sensitive information.
Earlier, Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate and called on residents to cooperate with government efforts.
The Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu, commended the governor’s intervention but raised concerns over inadequate arms for vigilantes and delayed response by some security operatives.
Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, decried poor security infrastructure, noting that a vast area is served by only one police station located several kilometres away.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents that additional personnel had been deployed and promised prompt response to actionable intelligence.
Community stakeholders, including youth leader Bankole Ojo and former lawmaker Kenneth Olawale, called for greater support for local hunters and improved collaboration with security outfits to address the growing insecurity.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to safety and development, noting that ongoing road projects in the area would be expedited to enhance accessibility and security before the rainy season.
