Ondo Killings: Aiyedatiwa Vows To Flush Out Criminals

‎The Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to intensify security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements responsible for recent attacks in parts of Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

‎Aiyedatiwa gave this assurance on Tuesday during a visit to Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities, where he met with community leaders and sympathised with families affected by the violent incidents.

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‎He described the incidents as tragic and unacceptable, and vowed that his government would take decisive steps to restore peace.

‎Aiyedatiwa noted that the state had witnessed disturbing incidents, including the killing of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm in a forest area, as well as the shooting of a young man in Ilado during an attempted abduction.

‎He stressed that while insecurity remains a national challenge, his administration would not allow criminal elements to destabilise any part of Ondo State.

‎The governor disclosed that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military, were already working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups to secure forest corridors and adjoining communities.

According to him, over 100 suspected kidnappers had been arrested, detained and charged to court, while coordinated operations were ongoing to flush out criminal hideouts in forest enclaves.

‎He further announced plans to establish Amotekun security posts in the affected communities to improve surveillance, enhance intelligence gathering, and reduce response time to emergencies.

‎Aiyedatiwa added that the government would also deepen collaboration with the military to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable areas, expressing optimism that increased security presence would deter further attacks.

‎He said, “We are here to commiserate with you over the unfortunate incidents that have taken place in these communities. I sympathise deeply with the families of the victims, and I want to assure you that the government is with you at this difficult moment.

‎“We are intensifying security operations in this axis. Security agencies, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, are working together to flush out criminal elements hiding in the forests and restore normalcy to these communities.

‎“We are also establishing additional security posts in these areas and strengthening surveillance. I appeal to our people to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information, because security is a collective responsibility.”

The governor, however, urged residents to play an active role in supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information, warning against harbouring criminals or shielding their activities.

‎He revealed that some individuals from the affected communities had already been arrested for alleged involvement in criminal activities, stressing that local cooperation was essential to sustaining security gains.

‎Aiyedatiwa also assured that ongoing road projects in the axis would be accelerated to improve accessibility and support security operations, particularly ahead of the rainy season.

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

‎However, he lamented the lack of firearms for vigilantes, noting that it had hampered their effectiveness.

‎The monarch also criticised the delayed response of some security operatives, alleging that certain personnel operate without adequate weapons.