Residents of Akure, under the aegis of the Akure Youths Coalition, have raised fresh concerns over escalating insecurity in Ondo State, calling for an immediate end to open grazing as part of measures to curb killings and kidnappings in the area.
The group said the rising spate of violent attacks across Akure North and South has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with many communities now on edge.
In a statement issued and signed by its leaders, Ogundipe O’Seyi and Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, the group expressed outrage over the persistent attacks in communities, warning that the situation has reached an alarming level.
The coalition lamented that recent incidents in Imafon, Igushin, Ilado, Eleyowo and other surrounding areas have left many families devastated, with residents now living in constant fear.
It specifically referenced an attack in Igushin where gunmen invaded a poultry farm, killing a mother and her daughter, while several others were abducted, noting that similar incidents have been recorded in nearby communities.
The youths described the attacks as part of a dangerous and growing pattern of violence that is disrupting livelihoods, displacing families and eroding public confidence in safety.
While condemning the killings in strong terms, the coalition alleged that the attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen, kidnappers and bandits, describing the acts as barbaric and senseless.
The statement reads in part, “These incidents (kidnappings and killings) are not isolated. They represent a dangerous pattern of insecurity that continues to spread across Akure North and South, disrupting livelihoods, displacing families, and eroding confidence in the safety of our communities.
”We unequivocally condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these injurious, barbaric, and senseless acts allegedly perpetrated by armed Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers, and bandits.
”We demand the immediate abolition of open grazing across affected communities and the entire Akure region, as its continued practice has repeatedly exposed communities to security threats and violent conflicts.”
The group, however, acknowledged efforts by the Ondo State Government in addressing insecurity but noted that the persistent killings have overshadowed those efforts.
It warned that the continued attacks pose a direct threat to the peace, dignity and survival of residents, stressing that it is unacceptable for citizens to live under constant fear.
The coalition called on security agencies, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army and the Amotekun Corps, to intensify operations and ensure sustained presence in affected communities.
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