— Tackles Aiyedatiwa, Urges Him to Seek Help to Tackle Bandits
— Stop Playing Politics with Security Matters, APC Replies
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Former Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Agboola Ajayi, has raised concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in the state, stating that residents are in distress.
His statement follows the recent killings of at least 25 people by suspected herdsmen in Akure North Local Government Area within the past two weeks. Bandits also reportedly invaded and sacked four communities in the same council area. On Wednesday, another five persons were killed in an attack on Aba Oyinbo in Akure North.
Ajayi, in a statement issued in Akure, lamented that Ondo State had been in the news for the wrong reasons, attributing the crisis to the alleged failure of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
“For the past few weeks, Ondo State has been troubled by an emerging culture of kidnapping, banditry, and killings. As of the last count, nearly a hundred people have been killed by criminals who invaded our state.
“Today, the people of Akure, frustrated by this worsening situation, stormed the Government Office to express their outrage, yet the APC-led government of Governor Aiyedatiwa has no answers,” he said.
Ajayi recalled that while serving as deputy governor from 2017 to 2021 under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, security measures were implemented to curb banditry, including restrictions on open grazing.
“We enforced a ban on open grazing, which restored sanity. Unfortunately, those gains have been lost, and now the people are suffering.
“The lethargy with which Governor Aiyedatiwa is handling the affairs of our state underscores his ill-preparedness and incompetence.
“The governor must seek help and take decisive actions to rid Ondo State of these invading bandits. Immediate steps should include revamping Amotekun and reinstating the Armed Forest Guards to secure our forests.
“With the governor receiving over a billion naira as a security vote, it is time for these funds to be effectively utilized for the safety of the people,” he added.
Ajayi further urged Ondo residents to begin organizing themselves for self-defense while hoping the governor takes appropriate action.
APC: Stop Playing Politics with Security Matters
Reacting to Ajayi’s statement, the Director of Media & Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Steve Otaloro, accused the former deputy governor of politicizing security issues.
“Insecurity is a national challenge, not unique to Ondo State. Blaming the current administration is both misleading and unfair.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has taken steps to enhance security, including strengthening the Amotekun Corps and fostering collaboration between security agencies and community leaders. These efforts have helped curb crime and restore peace in affected areas,” Otaloro stated.
He described Ajayi’s remarks as politically motivated, arguing that they were an attempt to exploit security concerns for personal gain following his defeat in the last governorship election.
“Instead of engaging in fear-mongering, Ajayi should offer constructive criticism and support collaborative efforts to address insecurity. His claims about the state’s security funds are unfounded and could inadvertently aid criminals.
“We urge him to be more responsible in his statements and to work towards solutions rather than fueling panic. The people of Ondo State deserve leaders who prioritize their safety over political ambitions,” he added.
Otaloro reaffirmed APC’s commitment to supporting Governor Aiyedatiwa in his efforts to tackle insecurity and called on all stakeholders to unite in ensuring the safety of residents.
The post Insecurity: Ondo people in pain, former deputy gov raises alarm appeared first on Vanguard News.
