Ondo State is gradually slipping into anarchy as kidnappers, bandits, and criminal gangs tighten their grip on Akure and its environs.
The rising wave of kidnappings, particularly around the Akure airport axis, Oba-Ile, and other parts of Akure North Local Government Area, has left residents paralysed with fear.
Criminals are now operating with brazen impunity, snatching innocent people off the streets, from their farms, and even on major highways. With security agencies stretched thin and overwhelmed, the people of Ondo State are left to their fate.
The latest horror to unfold is the abduction of a farmer, Olanrewaju Oyeleye, and his two sons. Initially, their kidnappers demanded an astronomical ransom of ₦100 million but later reduced it to ₦5 million upon realising the family’s financial struggles. This follows another disturbing case where two former students of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, were abducted at Oke Oge while returning from their farm, with their captors demanding ₦15 million for their release.
In a shocking act of brutality, gunmen recently ambushed and killed a health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, near Akure Airport in Eleyowo, before abducting his child. Just a month earlier, five farmers were murdered in cold blood at Ajegunle Powerline in Akure North, further escalating fears that no one is safe.
Starnews NG reports that the situation is even more terrifying for commuters and travellers, who have become soft targets for these criminals. In 2024, gunmen ambushed passengers between Ikere-Ekiti and Iju in Ondo State, leaving behind two abandoned vehicles, a Toyota Corolla and a white Highlander, both riddled with bullets. The recurring nature of these attacks suggests a deep-seated failure in intelligence gathering and proactive policing.
Among the high-profile abductions that have shaken Ondo State in recent times is that of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, Afenifere Youth Leader and a businessman. His kidnapping sent shockwaves through the state, as many questioned how such individual could fall victim to the growing menace.
According to Starnews NG, Ojajuni was abducted in a well-coordinated attack, leaving his associates and family in distress. His captors, aware of his influence, initially demanded a staggering ransom, reinforcing the notion that kidnappers now specifically target those they believe can fetch them huge paydays.
The incident has further exposed the vulnerabilities in Ondo’s security architecture, showing that no one, no matter their social status, is safe from the hands of these ruthless criminals.
His abduction is not just an isolated case but a reflection of a broader security failure that has emboldened criminal syndicates across the state. The fact that these criminals abduct different personalities without fear of immediate consequences underscores the urgent need for the government to rise to the occasion.
One would expect swift and decisive action in the wake of multiple kidnappings and attacks on innocent citizens of the state, yet, the response has been lacklustre.
Starnews NG strongly believes that the state government must take this as a turning point to overhaul its security strategy.
It is appalling that despite the growing security threats, law enforcement agencies remain ill-equipped to confront this menace.
Starnews NG notes that the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, did not mince words when he admitted the overwhelming logistical challenges facing the police in tackling rising crime. Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Akure, as reported by The Nation Newspaper, Afolabi stated, “There is not much logistics to tackle security challenges.”
According to him, kidnapping has become a “multidimensional” crime in Ondo State, yet the police lack modern hi-tech equipment and operational vehicles to effectively combat it. “What we rely on is to deploy personnel to comb the bush. It does not achieve much success,” he admitted.
In a shocking revelation, Afolabi disclosed that high-profile kidnappers were only arrested after he personally hired private trackers to locate them. This raises serious questions about the state government’s commitment to security.
Afolabi further stressed the urgent need for better funding and resources, including vehicles, military drones, advanced binoculars, and a fuel dump, to enhance the operational efficiency of the police. His statement is a clear indication that Ondo State is severely lagging in security infrastructure, making it easier for criminals to thrive.
Starnews NG strongly believes that this growing insecurity demands immediate and decisive intervention from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. As the Chief Security Officer of Ondo State, he cannot afford to remain passive while kidnappers continue to terrorise citizens. The government must move beyond mere condemnations and take concrete steps to combat the menace. It is imperative that adequate funding is provided for security agencies to procure modern surveillance technology, deploy intelligence-driven strategies, and establish rapid response teams to tackle crime hotspots.
The Amotekun Corps, which was established to support conventional security agencies, must also be restructured and empowered to handle the worsening crisis. Starnews NG urges Amotekun operatives to intensify patrols in forests, highways, and rural areas where kidnappers often operate. Intelligence sharing between Amotekun, the police, and other security forces must be prioritised to ensure coordinated efforts in fighting crime.
Ondo State cannot afford to become a haven for kidnappers and bandits. The rising insecurity is not only endangering lives but also crippling the state’s economy. Investors and businesses are increasingly wary of operating in an environment where safety cannot be guaranteed. If urgent action is not taken, Ondo may soon find itself completely at the mercy of criminal gangs.
The time for action is now. Governor Aiyedatiwa must rise to the occasion and reclaim the state from the grip of kidnappers. The people of Ondo State deserve to live without fear. Their security is non-negotiable.
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