Akure Youths Warn Ondo Killings and Abductions Are Part of Dangerous Pattern
The Akure Youths Coalition has raised a serious alarm over the worsening state of insecurity in Ondo State, particularly in the Akure axis. The group has issued a stark warning that the recent spate of violent incidents, including killings and abductions, are not isolated cases as previously suggested. Instead, they represent a dangerous and spreading pattern of insecurity that is rapidly engulfing the state.
Communities Living in Fear
According to the youth coalition, attacks have been occurring unchecked over the past several months, leaving families devastated and communities that were once considered secure now living in constant fear. The affected areas include Ilu-Abo, Eleyowo, Imafon, Igushin, Ilado, and other neighboring communities. These locations have faced repeated assaults by gunmen, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread trauma.
In the latest incident, which occurred just a few days ago, suspected kidnappers struck the Igushin community. The attackers targeted a poultry farm, where they brutally killed a mother and her daughter. A few hours later, in a separate but related attack, a youth was killed in Ilado. These events have further heightened tensions and fear among residents.
Residents Abandoning Homes
The coalition, in a statement signed by its leaders, Comrade Ogundipe O'Seyi and Comrade Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, reported that many residents of the affected communities are now abandoning their homes due to the deteriorating security situation. While acknowledging the state government's proactive efforts to address the crisis, the coalition emphasized that the incessant killings have overshadowed most of the government's achievements in other areas.
Demands for Action
The Akure Youths Coalition has made several urgent demands to address the crisis. They called for the revocation of lands allocated to suspected criminal elements and urged traditional rulers to urgently review and, where necessary, revoke land allocations granted to herdsmen in the overriding interest of public safety.
The statement read in part: "We urge the Ondo State Government, all political office holders, traditional leaders, corporate organizations, opinion leaders, and other well-meaning concerned individuals to collaborate. Human ingenuity can be contrived to continue engaging this crisis with the seriousness it deserves."
The coalition also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, and civil society groups to promote unity, vigilance, and responsible information-sharing in support of security efforts.
Call for Calm and Resilience
Addressing the people and youths of Akure, the coalition urged calm, resilience, and heightened vigilance. "While we mourn with the families of victims and stand in solidarity with affected communities, we must not allow fear to divide us or weaken our collective resolve. Akure remains our home, and together we must defend its peace, dignity, and future," the statement emphasized.
The coalition concluded with a powerful demand: "We demand justice for the victims. We demand security for our people. We demand an immediate end to these senseless killings. Enough is enough."
