By: Sunday Ameh
Residents of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised the alarm over what they described as recurring killings in the area following the deaths of two residents within months.
The community, predominantly occupied by farmers and traders, is home to different ethnic groups, including Ikales, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Hausa/Fulani residents.
Findings revealed that a few months ago, a farmer and grassroots politician, Mr. Loyinmi Bode, was allegedly murdered after leaving for his farm.
Residents said the deceased, who was widely tipped to emerge as a Supervisory Councillor in the area, never returned home after going to his farm.
Community sources lamented that no arrest or prosecution had been made in connection with the incident, leaving his family devastated.
The source added that the widow and children of the late farmer had continued to live in pain following his death.
In another incident, a resident identified as Mr. Andrew Friday was reportedly found dead after he allegedly received a phone call in the early hours of Friday, May 8, and left home without informing anyone of his destination.
It was gathered that his family became worried after he failed to return home, prompting youths in the community to launch a search operation.
His lifeless body was later discovered alongside a handset suspected to belong to his killers.
One of the deceased’s wives, Mrs. Abiola Friday Andrew, was said to have been thrown into mourning following the tragic development.
The incidents have reportedly created fear and tension among residents, particularly youths in the agrarian community.
Some residents, who spoke with Starnews NG on the condition of anonymity, called on security agencies and the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene and ensure that those responsible for the killings were apprehended.
The residents also appealed to the Executive Chairman of Irele Local Government, Deacon Olajide Akinfe, to deploy more security personnel to the community to safeguard lives and property.
They further urged the Larogbo of Akotogbo, HRH Oba Michael Elumaro Akinfolarin, and the Laba-elect of Oke Ado Akotogbo, Chief Albert Akintoye, to collaborate with security agencies and the local government authorities to address the situation.
Efforts to get reactions from the police authorities on the incidents were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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