RismadarVoice Reporters, April 15, 2026
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday visited Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area following recent violent attacks, vowing intensified efforts to flush out criminal elements operating in the axis.
The governor, who spoke during a condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, described the killings as disturbing and unacceptable, assuring residents of government’s resolve to restore peace and security.
He cited recent incidents, including the killing of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm and the shooting of a young man in Ilado who resisted abduction, describing them as part of a worrying shift in criminal activity in the area.
Aiyedatiwa said security agencies, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the military, and the Amotekun Corps, are currently conducting coordinated operations in forests and surrounding communities to track down perpetrators.
He disclosed that over 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged to court, adding that ongoing operations were aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves in forest areas.
The governor announced plans to establish additional Amotekun security posts within the affected communities to improve surveillance and response time, while also strengthening collaboration with the military for improved monitoring of vulnerable locations.
He further called on residents, particularly youths, hunters and vigilante groups, to support security agencies with credible intelligence, warning against shielding criminals.
Aiyedatiwa also confirmed that some youths from the communities had been arrested in connection with criminal activities, urging community members to cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, the governor said ongoing road projects in the axis would be accelerated ahead of the rainy season.
Earlier, the Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Johnson Ogunbolude, described the attacks as unfortunate, while the Olumafon of Imafon commended the governor’s intervention but raised concerns over inadequate equipment for local vigilantes.
The Ojogbariaka of Ilado, Oba Kayode Ajomale, also called for improved security infrastructure, noting that some communities remain underserved due to distance from the nearest police station.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of increased deployment and prompt response to intelligence reports, while maintaining that operatives were familiar with the terrain.
Community representatives and youth leaders, including Bankole Ojo and Rt. Hon. Kenneth Olawale, called for stronger collaboration with local hunters and enhanced security support, citing the agrarian nature of the area and growing threats to livelihoods.
The visit was attended by top government officials and security chiefs, including the Amotekun Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, and representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Department of State Services.
