Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Residents of Oba-Ile and surrounding areas in Akure North Local Government Area are living in fear due to a recent surge in kidnappings.
The area has witnessed several incidents, including the killing of a health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, and the abduction of his child near Akure Airport in Eleyowo.
In another incident, two former students at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, were kidnapped at Oke Oge while returning from their farm, with their captors demanding a ₦15 million ransom.
The Ondo Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, has acknowledged the need for high-tech equipment and vehicles to tackle the security challenges in the state. He has directed all Divisional Police Officers to begin robust and energetic patrols across the state. Afolabi emphasized, “We need mobility and that implies we are in need of vehicles.
Kidnappings have gone sophisticated. We need equipment like tracking devices, drones to tackle kidnappings.”
The state government has also assured residents that it is doing everything possible to ensure their safety. Chief Gbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Security, stated that the government is committed to protecting lives and property.
However, with the recent brutal murder of five farmers at Ajegunle Powerline in Akure North, residents remain fearful and anxious about their safety.
