—-Says over 100 suspected kidnappers arrested

—-Plans new Amotekun posts in forest areas

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of Ondo state, has vowed to end insecurity in communities across the state.

Aiyedatiwa also promised decisive action against criminal elements in the state.

He said this during a familiarization and condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following recent violent attacks in Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities.

Commiserating with bereaved families, Aiyedatiwa said measures were being intensified to restore calm and protect lives and property.

He described the killings as deeply disturbing, citing the murder of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm in a forest area, and the shooting of a young man in Ilado who resisted abduction.

The governor insisted that such acts would not be tolerated, adding that while insecurity is a national challenge, the state remains committed to protecting its citizens.

According to the governor, security agencies — including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military — are working with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities.

While noting progress in tackling kidnapping for ransom, he warned that the recent killings signal a troubling shift that must be urgently addressed.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed that more than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained, and charged to court, with operations ongoing to flush out criminals hiding in forest enclaves.

He announced that Amotekun posts would be set up in the troubled communities to boost surveillance and response time.

The state will also partner with the military to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations, he said, expressing confidence that increased presence would deter crime.

The governor urged residents — especially youths, elders, hunters, and vigilantes — to cooperate with security agencies and warned against harbouring criminals, saying it undermines efforts by leaking vital information.

He said that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for involvement in criminal activities and appealed for credible intelligence to aid operatives.

On infrastructure, Aiyedatiwa said ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated to a reasonable stage before the rainy season.

Earlier, Akure North LGA Chairman Johnson Ogunbolude described the attacks as unfortunate.

Ogunbolude said the governor remained in constant touch with community leaders and security agencies while out of state, and urged residents to support government efforts.

The Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, commended the governor’s intervention, especially the road construction, saying it would help tackle security challenges.

Oba Aliu, however, decried the lack of firearms for vigilantes, which he said had hampered effectiveness, and criticised delayed responses by some operatives who, he alleged, operate without adequate weapons.

The Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, thanked the governor for the visit and called for improved security infrastructure.

Oba Ajomale noted that a vast area from Familugba to Zone 4 — about 182 kilometres — is served by only one police station located roughly 12 kilometres away.

Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal described the attacks as unfortunate, saying operatives were familiar with the terrain and had previously carried out bush-combing operations.

Lawal assured residents of prompt response to credible information and said more personnel had been deployed.

Community youth leader Bankole Ojo called for the empowerment of hunters, citing their knowledge of the terrain, while alleging compromise among some security personnel.

Ojo urged stronger collaboration between hunters and Amotekun Corps.

Community representative Rt. Hon. Kenneth Olawale appealed for urgent intervention to sustain peace, noting that the agrarian nature of the communities — particularly poultry farming and cocoa production — makes security a priority.