Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, declaring that his administration will no longer tolerate acts of banditry in any part of the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the commitment on Tuesday during a familiarisation visit to the monarch of Imafon in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Samuel Aliu, following recent attacks that left several residents dead.
According to him, security agencies are already working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups to secure affected communities and surrounding forests.
“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,” the governor said.
He added that more than 100 suspected kidnappers have so far been arrested and prosecuted, while ongoing operations are aimed at flushing out criminals hiding in forest enclaves across the state.
“More than 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged in court, while operations are ongoing to flush out criminal elements hiding in forest enclaves,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor also announced plans to establish Amotekon posts in vulnerable communities to strengthen surveillance and improve response time to security threats.
“Amotekun posts would be established within the troubled communities to enhance surveillance and improve response time,” he added.
The visit followed renewed concerns over insecurity in Imafon and neighbouring communities, where recent gunmen attacks led to the deaths of at least three persons, including a mother and her daughter working on a poultry farm.
The incident sparked protests by residents, who blocked major roads in Akure to demand urgent government intervention.
In response, Aiyedatiwa assured residents that additional measures were being put in place to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
