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Fear has gripped several communities in Akure North Local Government Area following an increase in kidnapping and violent attacks by armed criminals targeting residents in the area.
Reports indicate that the agrarian communities in the council area have witnessed repeated cases of abduction and killings, forcing many residents to relocate to safer areas while others have reportedly put their houses up for sale due to safety concerns.
Among the recent incidents was the abduction of the Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area, Kayode Aladesuyi, and another victim identified as Esther, who were kidnapped while working on their farm in the Kajola area.
Earlier attacks in the local government also left several people dead and others kidnapped, including a February incident where gunmen abducted a man identified as Jamiu Olawale and his wife while shooting their neighbour. In another attack, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was reportedly killed by bandits.
Residents say the worsening insecurity has disrupted farming activities and daily life in the area, with many families relocating to Akure or other safer communities.
Security sources also revealed that some kidnappings may have been facilitated by collaborators within the communities who allegedly provide information about potential victims to criminal gangs in exchange for a share of ransom payments.
The Ondo State Government has acknowledged the problem and vowed to clamp down on both kidnappers and their local collaborators. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said anyone found aiding criminal activities, regardless of status, would be treated as a criminal.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed tactical teams to affected communities such as Ilu-Abo, Ayede and Ogbese to intensify surveillance, forest patrols and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating in the area.
Security experts have, however, stressed the need for improved funding, modern surveillance technology, and stronger collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups to effectively combat the rising insecurity.
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Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer
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