The signs are ominous, the incidents chilling, and the consequences could be disastrous if immediate action is not taken. Ondo State is fast approaching the brink of a full-scale security crisis.
In the span of just a few days, the state has been rocked by a series of unsettling events. The discovery of three headless bodies floating in a river in Odigbo, the brutal slaughter of three farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Ofosu Forest Reserve, and the cold-blooded assassination of a prominent hotelier in the heart of Akure have all cast a shadow of fear over the state.
Starnews NG has consistently covered these incidents, highlighting the growing insecurity in the state.
Equally alarming is the increasingly common occurrence of kidnappings for ransom, particularly along highways and rural roads. Victims range from farmers to travellers, creating a climate of uncertainty where no one feels truly safe. The cumulative effect of these heinous acts is a population shaken to its core, distrustful of government assurances, and losing faith in the law enforcement agencies meant to provide protection.
A recent attack further underscores the gravity of the situation. On Tuesday, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers ambushed an Abuja-bound bus belonging to GUO Transport Company along the Akunu axis of Ondo State. The attack left the vehicle riddled with bullet holes, and blood was visibly splattered across the front seats, indicating that passengers had been injured.
A disturbing video obtained from the scene shows the aftermath of the attack. The driver, visibly shaken but thankful for his survival, said, “Make I come make them bring tyre out there. I thank God nothing happened to me. You no see wetin bullet do this place (Let us bring the tyre out of there. I thank God nothing happened to me. Can you see how they damaged the vehicle with bullets?).” The attack occurred between Akunu in Ondo State and Ayere in neighbouring Kogi State, an area notorious for bandit and kidnapper activity despite regular police checkpoints in the region.
These are not mere headlines, they are human tragedies that demand urgent and decisive action. They point to a disturbing breakdown of law and order, and they cannot be ignored.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot afford to remain passive or rely solely on routine police statements that often fail to deliver tangible results. The pattern of killings, the audacity of the criminals, and the growing sense of insecurity among the people all signal that the state is in danger of losing control of its security apparatus. The time for reactive measures is long past; what is needed now is proactive engagement.
Attention must be focused on the security gaps in forest reserves and rural areas, which are increasingly exploited by criminal elements. These areas should be mapped, monitored, and subjected to regular patrols to prevent further criminal infiltration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa must urgently convene a statewide security summit that brings all relevant stakeholders to the table. This must include traditional rulers, security agencies, local hunters, community leaders, youth groups, religious bodies, and civil society organisations. A holistic and practical security plan, crafted collaboratively, should be the outcome of this summit. This plan must prioritise enhancing community intelligence, bolstering local security outfits like Amotekun, and ensuring that security agencies are better equipped and coordinated to respond to emerging threats. The escalating criminal activities in forest reserves and border communities must be addressed with immediate effect.
It is increasingly clear that Ondo State can no longer afford to operate reactively. The era of waiting for the next tragedy to prompt action must end. The people are restless, their trust in government is waning, and the message from the streets is clear; enough is enough. The horrific killing of innocent farmers, merely on their way to buy medicine, and the brutal assassination of a prominent businessman in an urban centre underscore that no one is safe.
Security is the foundation of governance. Without it, development becomes an illusion, and public trust erodes. What Ondo State needs now is bold leadership and decisive action. Governor Aiyedatiwa must seize this moment to not only reaffirm his commitment to the safety of the people but also to prove that his administration has the capacity and political will to safeguard lives and property.
This is more than just a call to action; it is a test of leadership, responsibility, and humanity. The people of Ondo have endured enough. The time to act is now before bloodshed becomes routine and hope is extinguished.
The people of Ondo are watching. They do not merely want statements of condemnation or symbolic visits to scenes of tragedy. They seek tangible protection, stability, and the assurance that their government has the determination and the means to shield them from criminality. Governor Aiyedatiwa must step forward with the courage and clarity this moment demands.
Failure to do so will not only jeopardise more lives, it will also erode the moral authority of his administration. The time for comprehensive action is now, before the crisis deepens and public confidence is lost beyond repair.
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