By Paul Joseph
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, following a visit to communities recently hit by violent attacks in Akure North Local Government Area.
During a condolence and assessment visit to Imafon, Igushin and Ilado on Tuesday, the governor pledged decisive action to flush out criminal elements operating in the area and restore peace.
Speaking at the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, Aiyedatiwa expressed sympathy with victims’ families and described the killings as disturbing and unacceptable.
He cited recent incidents, including the killing of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm, as well as the shooting of a young man who resisted abduction in Ilado.
“The safety of our people remains a top priority. These criminal acts will not be tolerated,” the governor said.
The governor disclosed that security agencies, including the police, military, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, are working closely with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and vulnerable communities.
He revealed that over 100 suspected kidnappers have already been arrested and prosecuted, while operations are ongoing to dismantle criminal hideouts.
As part of new measures, Aiyedatiwa announced plans to establish Amotekun security posts in the affected communities to boost surveillance and response time. He added that collaboration with the military would be strengthened to improve monitoring of high-risk areas.
The governor urged residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence and warned against harbouring criminals.
He noted that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for alleged involvement in criminal activities, stressing the need for collective responsibility in tackling insecurity.
Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate and called for community cooperation with government efforts.
The Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Aliu, commended the governor’s intervention but raised concerns over inadequate weapons for vigilantes and delayed responses from some security personnel.
Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Kayode Ajomale, highlighted the shortage of security infrastructure, noting that a vast area is served by only one police station.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents that additional personnel had been deployed and that prompt action would follow any credible intelligence.
Community youth leader Bankole Ojo called for increased support for local hunters, citing their knowledge of the terrain, while also urging stronger collaboration with the Amotekun Corps.
A community representative, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Olawale, emphasised the importance of security to protect key economic activities such as farming and cocoa production.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also assured residents that ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated ahead of the rainy season, noting that improved infrastructure would aid security operations.
The visit was attended by top government officials and security chiefs, including the Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, and other stakeholders.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through coordinated, lawful, and sustained interventions.
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