INSECURITY: From Ifon to Owo and now, Akure North!
The recent surge in kidnapping incidents in the northern part of Ondo State has left many residents feeling vulnerable and anxious, forcing them to flee their beloved communities. This situation is deeply concerning and requires our immediate attention and compassion.
Tragically, not long ago, two individuals were kidnapped in Upenmen, Owo, Ondo State. In a separate and equally distressing event along the Benin-Owo-Akure road in the Ifon area of Ose Local Government, ten travelers were taken against their will. Furthermore, just a few days ago, we mourned the loss of at least five farmers who were brutally attacked and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North. To add to this heartbreak, last Saturday, students from the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), were reportedly abducted in the Oke Oge area while they were returning home from their industrial training, an experience that should have been filled with hope and growth.
These harrowing incidents, occurring between January and early February 2025, undeniably highlight the insecurity plaguing our communities. It is painful to witness our people feeling unsafe in their own homes, as if we are under siege. We must come together to act urgently in the face of this rising threat.
To address this growing concern, it is imperative that we establish a Joint Task Force (JTF) composed of various security agencies in our state, including the Department of State Services (DSS). We recognize that Amotekun alone cannot shoulder this burden and that they need support and additional resources from the state government. The JTF should prioritize surveillance and patrols in areas that have recently become dangerous.
I sincerely appeal to the State Government to heed this urgent call for action and urge our security agencies to approach their roles with the diligence and empathy this crisis demands while providing them the adequate and necessary Manpower and support. Together, we can work towards restoring safety and security in our communities and strive for a future free from fear and violence.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the State Government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for their ongoing efforts. My appreciation also goes to our courageous security personnel, whose sacrifices are crucial in the fight against crime and in protecting our citizens.
In closing, we must remember that a community lacking security stifles progress and growth.
Thank you.
Oluwaseun Joshua Ogunmola
(Ogbeni Ob Sugar)
A Safer and Saner Society Crusader.
Write from IGBOKE, Ose LGA.
