The Ondo State Government has established a joint security task force to combat rising insecurity in the state, following a series of deadly attacks by suspected bandits in Akure North Local Government Area.
The move comes just days after armed assailants stormed the Aba Oyinbo community, killing five farmers. In a separate attack, 14 people lost their lives across four communities in the same local government area, triggering widespread protests by farmers in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking in Akure on Sunday, the state commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the new task force was established by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and comprises all security agencies, including the army, police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Amotekun operatives.
“We want to reassure the residents of this state that they can continue their normal farming activities as the government has established a joint task force to stabilise the very remote areas of Akure North, where these nefarious activities take place,” Adeleye stated.
He added that the government is working to improve road access in the affected areas to ensure rapid response to security threats.
Adeleye also announced that security posts would be set up in vulnerable communities to prevent future attacks.
“We are all aware of the criminal activities that happened in the deep forest of Akure North Local Government Area. The government has deployed a joint patrol team, and we’ve been able to restore normalcy in Ago Oyinbo, Ago Dada, Ago Ademekun, Ago Sunday, and surrounding areas,” he said.
“To ensure lasting security, Amotekun posts will be established as control points in these remote areas to prevent the return of these marauders after the present security team leaves.”
As part of its intensified security efforts, the Amotekun Corps has arrested 32 suspected kidnappers in various forest reserves across four local government areas: Akure South, Akure North, Ose, and Akoko North-East.
“In recent times, we have witnessed an increase in criminal activities, including kidnapping, in Ondo State. Our officers, along with other security agencies, mobilised reinforcements and launched operations in the state’s forest reserves. In the past week, we arrested 32 suspected kidnappers who are currently undergoing interrogation,” Adeleye revealed.
A total of 58 suspects were paraded, with security agencies vowing to sustain operations until criminal elements are eliminated from the region.
The Amotekun commander assured residents that normalcy has been restored in Akure North and other affected areas but urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Security forces will continue patrolling high-risk zones, ensuring that the recent wave of attacks does not escalate further. The state government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across Ondo State.
