Gov Aiyedatiwa moves against rising killings in Ondo communities

…deploys Amotekun officers to strengthen security network

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has intensified efforts to tackle rising killings in parts of the state, announcing the deployment of Amotekun posts and additional security personnel to strengthen the security network in affected communities.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during a familiarisation and condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following a wave of violent attacks in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area.

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed sympathy with families of victims, described the killings as disturbing and unacceptable, assuring residents that his administration would take decisive steps to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.

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 in Ilado who reportedly resisted abduction, noting that such acts would not be tolerated.

The governor said security agencies, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, were already working in synergy with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities.

While acknowledging that kidnapping for ransom had reduced significantly, he warned that the recent shift towards outright killings posed a serious threat that must be urgently addressed.

According to him, more than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged to court, while operations are ongoing to flush out criminal elements hiding in forest enclaves.

To further reinforce security, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that about 500 personnel had been recruited into the Amotekun Corps, with plans to deploy more operatives to troubled areas.

He added that new Amotekun posts would be established in the affected communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time.

He also revealed that the state government would collaborate with the military to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations, expressing confidence that increased security presence would deter criminal activities.

The governor urged residents, particularly youths, elders, hunters and vigilantes, to support security agencies with credible intelligence, warning against harbouring criminals or leaking sensitive information.

He noted that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for their involvement in criminal activities, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

Aiyedatiwa also cautioned against the illegal possession and use of firearms, explaining that certain weapons remain prohibited for vigilantes and Amotekun operatives under existing laws.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development, he described the affected communities as an extension of Alagbaka and assured residents that they would not be neglected.

He added that ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated ahead of the rainy season.

Earlier, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Hon. Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate, noting that the governor had remained in constant touch despite being out of the state at the time of the incidents.

In his remarks, the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, commended the governor’s intervention, particularly ongoing road construction, which he said would help address security challenges.

He, however, decried the lack of firearms for vigilantes and delays in response by some security operatives.

Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, raised concerns over the worsening security situation, revealing that no fewer than 19 residents had been killed within three months.

He warned that the crisis could escalate without urgent intervention, highlighting the inadequacy of security infrastructure.

He noted that a vast area covering about 182 kilometres is served by only one police station located several kilometres away.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of improved response to credible intelligence, disclosing that additional personnel had been deployed to the area.

Community leaders, including youth representative Bankole Ojo and Bliss Estate Chairman Sesan Oriola, called for greater collaboration between security agencies, hunters and local vigilantes, while alleging compromise among some operatives.

They urged the government to intensify efforts to sustain peace in the agrarian communities, where farming activities remain a major source of livelihood.

Dignitaries at the visit included the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande; Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Donald Fasua; Secretary of Akure South Local Government, Adeola Fynch; Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye; and State Director of the Department of State Services, Samaila Sagiru, among others.