Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Agboola Ajayi, has raised the alarm over escalating insecurity in the state, lamenting that residents are living in fear due to rampant kidnappings and deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.
Ajayi’s concerns follow a wave of violent attacks in Akure North Local Government Area, where at least 25 people have been killed in the past two weeks. In a fresh assault on Wednesday, another five people were reportedly murdered in Aba Oyinbo, further deepening fears among residents.
In a statement issued in Akure, Ajayi accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration of failing to protect the people, saying the state is “in distress.”
“Ondo is Under Attack—And the Government is Silent”
“For the past few weeks, Ondo State has been under siege by criminals who kill, kidnap, and terrorize innocent people. The death toll is rising, yet the government seems helpless,” Ajayi said.
He recalled that during his tenure as deputy governor from 2017 to 2021, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu implemented strict security measures, including the ban on open grazing, which helped curb attacks.
“The decisive actions we took then kept our people safe. Unfortunately, those gains have been reversed. The current administration’s inaction is costing lives,” he added.
Ajayi urged the governor to immediately strengthen Amotekun, deploy Armed Forest Guards, and use the state’s security funds effectively to combat the crisis.
“With over a billion naira allocated for security, the governor must take urgent steps to protect Ondo residents before more lives are lost,” he stressed.
APC Fires Back: “Stop Politicizing Insecurity”
Reacting to Ajayi’s statement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused him of playing politics with security issues.
“Insecurity is a national challenge, not an Ondo-specific problem,” APC spokesperson Steve Otaloro said.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has been working to strengthen security forces, including Amotekun. Ajayi’s attempt to paint the government as inactive is purely political and misleading.”
Otaloro further argued that security should not be used as a political weapon, urging all leaders to unite in finding solutions rather than spreading fear.
As tensions rise, Ondo residents remain on edge, with many calling for immediate and decisive action to restore peace.
