Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday restated his administration’s determination to tackling insecurity in the Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

He also pledged decisive action against criminals operating in the area.

Mr Aiyedatiwa made the pledge during a condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, in Akure, following recent violent attacks on the communities.

A poultry farmer and her daughter were killed over the weekend, among other incidents in recent times.

The governor described the killings as disturbing and assured residents that concrete steps were being intensified to restore peace and safeguard lives and property.

“We will not tolerate these acts of violence in any part of Ondo State. While insecurity may be a nationwide challenge, our administration remains fully committed to protecting our people and their livelihoods.

“Security agencies, including the police, military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, are working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities. We will also establish Amotekun posts in the affected communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time.

“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. We are strengthening our security architecture by deploying more personnel and collaborating with relevant agencies. We will also work closely with the military to monitor vulnerable locations and deter criminal activities,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and also warned against harbouring criminals.

The governor assured residents that ongoing road projects in the area would be accelerated to support security efforts and boost development.

Earlier, the chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, expressed concern over the attacks and described them as unfortunate.

Mr Ogunbolude appealed to residents to support the government’s efforts with constructive contributions.

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

Mr Aliu, however, lamented the lack of firearms for vigilantes, noting that it hampered their effectiveness and criticised the delayed response of some security operatives.

According to the traditional ruler, certain security agents operate without adequate weapons.

Similarly, the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, described the attacks as unfortunate.

Mr Lawal said 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 operatives had been deployed.

Meanwhile, the community youth leader, Bankole Ojo, advocated the empowerment of hunters, citing knowledge of the terrain as a positive factor to consider. 

(NAN)