Aiyedatiwa rolls out new security policy during visit to attacked Ondo communities
By Oluwafikayomi Badmus
Aiyedatiwa rolls out new security policy during visit to attacked Ondo communities
By Oluwafikayomi Badmus
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday unveiled a series of policy-driven security measures aimed at tackling rising violence in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area.
The governor announced the interventions during a condolence and assessment visit to the affected communities following recent deadly attacks, reiterating his administration’s resolve to restore safety in the agrarian axis.
Speaking at the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, Aiyedatiwa condemned the killings and declared that the state would adopt a more structured, intelligence-led approach to security.
He described the murder of a female farmer and her daughter, alongside the killing of a young man who resisted abduction in Ilado, as unacceptable, stressing that criminal activities would no longer be tolerated in any part of the state.
As part of immediate policy actions, the governor announced plans to establish permanent security posts in the affected communities.
The posts, he said, would be manned by operatives of the Amotekun Corps in collaboration with other security agencies to enhance surveillance and response time.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that local hunters and vigilante groups would be formally integrated into the state’s community policing framework through structured collaboration, logistics support and intelligence-sharing.
According to him, the policy recognises the importance of local actors with deep knowledge of the terrain in combating crime.
He added that the government would strengthen inter-agency coordination by expanding joint operations involving the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services, particularly in forested areas identified as criminal hideouts.
The governor noted that while kidnapping for ransom had reduced significantly due to sustained enforcement, recent killings indicated a shift in criminal tactics, requiring a recalibration of strategy.
He disclosed that over 100 suspected kidnappers had been arrested and prosecuted, with efforts ongoing to apprehend others still at large.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised community involvement, urging residents to avoid harbouring criminals and to provide timely intelligence to security agencies. He warned that anyone found aiding criminal elements would face legal consequences.
On infrastructure, the governor linked ongoing road projects in the area to improved security outcomes, noting that better access roads would enable quicker deployment of personnel and reduce the isolation of vulnerable communities.
He assured residents that key road works would be expedited ahead of the rainy season.
Earlier, Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate and called for sustained collaboration between government and residents.
The Olumafon of Imafon commended ongoing efforts but raised concerns over inadequate arms for vigilantes and delayed response by some security operatives.
Similarly, the Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, highlighted gaps in security infrastructure and called for expanded coverage across underserved communities.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of increased deployment of personnel and improved response based on credible intelligence.
Community representatives, including youth leader Bankole Ojo, also called for greater support for hunters and stronger collaboration with security agencies, while expressing concerns over alleged compromise among some operatives.
The visit signalled a shift towards a more coordinated, community-driven security framework aimed at restoring confidence and protecting lives and livelihoods in the affected communities.
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