Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in parts of Ondo State, following a series of violent attacks in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area.
The governor made the pledge during a condolence and assessment visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, where he sympathised with families of victims and assured residents of decisive government action.
Describing the recent killings as disturbing, Aiyedatiwa cited the murder of a female farmer and her daughter, as well as the killing of a young man who resisted abduction, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
He disclosed that security agencies, including the police, military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, are collaborating with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and vulnerable communities, noting that over 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested and charged to court.
The governor also announced plans to establish Amotekun security posts in the affected areas to improve surveillance and response time, while promising increased collaboration with the military to strengthen security operations.
He called on residents to support security agencies with credible information and warned against harbouring criminals, revealing that some youths from the communities had already been apprehended for alleged involvement in criminal activities.
While reiterating his administration’s resolve to ensure safety of lives and property, Aiyedatiwa added that ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated to improve accessibility and security.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate and appealed to residents to cooperate with government efforts.
Traditional rulers in the area, including the Olumafon of Imafon and the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, commended the governor’s intervention but raised concerns over inadequate security infrastructure and lack of arms for local vigilantes.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of intensified operations, stating that additional personnel had been deployed to the area.
Community leaders also called for stronger collaboration between hunters and security agencies, stressing the need for urgent and sustained action to restore peace in the agrarian communities.
