Aiyedatiwa Tasks Security as Youths Take over Highway After Fresh Killings in Ondo

*Gov says locals perpetrating the crimes

*Protesters: Govt, security have failed us

Fidelis David in Akure 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed security agencies to intensify operations against kidnapping syndicates across the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the governor said recent investigations revealed that some of the crimes were being orchestrated by locals.

“The government has directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities,” the statement read.

It noted that significant investments had been made to strengthen the state’s security architecture, including the provision of patrol vehicles, construction of a Crime Control Centre for the Amotekun Corps, and the recruitment of 500 personnel to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response.

The government also urged traditional rulers to monitor activities within their domains and called on residents to promptly report suspicious movements.

“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, angry youths in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, yesterday, took to the Akure-Owo-Benin highway to protest what they described as rising killings and abductions in their community.

The protest followed the killing of a youth, identified as Ben Daniels, who was reportedly shot dead by gunmen on Monday night.

The demonstration came barely two weeks after suspected gunmen assassinated the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village, Agamo Area, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, in the same local government area. 

Besides, bandits last week abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo, Akure North council area, while some worshippers at a Celestial Church in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area, were also kidnapped by gunmen.

Expressing their displeasure over the latest attack, the youth carried placards, barricaded the Ayede Ogbese highway, chanting slogans and lamenting what they called the worsening insecurity of lives and property in their community.

The protesters accused the state government of neglecting their community and alleged that security agencies had failed to check the activities of the criminals.

“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. Our people are being killed and kidnapped, yet nothing is happening. We will not leave this road until the government listens to us,” one of the youths said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Jimoh Abayomi, said the attack occurred on March 2, 2026, along Agunla Farm Road.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, Ben Daniels (male), and one James Unekwu (male), were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen. James Unekwu reportedly escaped, while the victim was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside,”  he said.

He added that police operatives swiftly moved to the scene and evacuated the corpse to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

“The escaped victim is currently in police protective custody as investigations continue. The Command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace,” he said.