•Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State
Some aggrieved residents of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised the alarm over a disturbing pattern of violent deaths in the area, following the killing of two locals within few months.
The community, a farming settlement had been plunged into anxiety amid the killings, with locals calling for increased security presence, reports The Nation.
It was gathered on Tuesday that a farmer identified as Mr Bode Loyinmi was reportedly killed after leaving for his farm some months ago.
A resident, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said that the deceased, who was reportedly being considered for a “supervisory councillor position,” never returned home after going to his farmland.
He added that the remains of Loyinmi were later discovered, revealing that the development has left his family in prolonged grief and deepened fears of insecurity in the area.
In another incident, the residents noted that one Andrew Friday was found dead after he reportedly left home in the early hours of Friday, May 8, following a phone call.
Sources said a search was launched after he failed to return home, and his body was later discovered with a mobile phone suspected to belong to his killers.
The incidents have heightened fear among residents, particularly farmers who now say they are increasingly reluctant to go to their farms alone.
The residents called on the raditional leaders in the community; the Larogbo of Akotogbo, HRH Oba Michael Elumaro Akinfolarin, and the Laba-elect of Oke Ado Akotogbo, Chief Albert Akintoye to rise up to the security challenges in the community.
They also called on the security agencies and the Chairman of Irele LGA, Deacon Olajide Akinfe to urgently intervene and address the recurring violent killings in the community.
Confirming the situation in a phone chat, the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi said the security agencies are aware of the incidents and has deployed additional security measures to prevent further breakdown of law and order in Akotogbo and surrounding communities.
Abayomi said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and other tactical units have been deployed to gather intelligence and track those responsible for the killings.
He, however, added that efforts are ongoing to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators, reaffirming its commitment to public safety in the state.
