…Govt to support local hunters, establish security posts in troubled areas
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to stamp out insecurity in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area, pledging decisive action against criminal elements operating in the axis.
The governor made the declaration during a familiarisation and condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, following a series of violent attacks within the communities.
Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that measures were already being intensified to restore calm and safeguard lives and property.
He described the recent killings as deeply disturbing, citing the murder 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 who resisted abduction.
He insisted that such acts would not be tolerated, noting that although insecurity is a nationwide concern, the state government remains committed to protecting its citizens.
The governor disclosed that security agencies, including the police, Civil Defence Corps and the military, are working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities.
While acknowledging progress in tackling kidnapping for ransom, he warned that the recent spate of killings indicated a troubling shift 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.
Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that Amotekun posts would be established within the troubled communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time.
He said the state government would also collaborate with the military to strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations, expressing confidence that increased security presence would deter criminal activities.
Calling for collective action, the governor urged residents, particularly youths, elders, hunters and vigilantes, to cooperate with security agencies.
He warned against harbouring criminals, noting that such actions undermine efforts to combat insecurity through the leakage of vital information.
He disclosed that some youths from the affected communities had already been apprehended for their involvement in criminal activities and appealed to residents to provide credible intelligence to security operatives.
He assured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety through lawful and structured interventions.
Reiterating his administration’s development agenda, the governor added that ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated to a reasonable stage before the onset of the rainy season.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, expressed concern over the attacks, describing them as unfortunate.
He noted that although the governor was out of the state at the time of the incidents, he remained in constant touch with leaders of the communities and security agencies.
Ogunbolude appealed to residents to support government efforts with constructive contributions.
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.
Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, who thanked the governor for the visit, called for improved security infrastructure.
He further highlighted the inadequacy of existing facilities, noting that a vast area stretching from Familugba to Zone 4, covering about 182 kilometres, is served by only one police station located roughly 12 kilometres away.
He urged both government and residents to intensify efforts in tackling the menace, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, described the attacks as unfortunate, stating that security operatives were familiar with the terrain and had previously conducted bush-combing operations in the area.
He assured residents of prompt response to credible information and disclosed that additional personnel had been deployed.
On his part, the community youth leader, Bankole Ojo, advocated the empowerment of hunters, citing their knowledge of the terrain, while alleging compromise among some security personnel.
He called for stronger collaboration between hunters and the Amotekun Corps to curb insecurity.
Also, a 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.
Those at the event included the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Ayodele Akande; Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua; Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye; State Director of the Department of State Services, Samaila Sagiru; among other community members.