Youths from the Ondo North Senatorial District, under the auspices of the Ondo North Youths Alliance (ONYA), protested on Monday against the incessant killing and kidnapping of people in the district.
The group expressed dismay over the situation and criticized the security agencies and the state government for their lack of sympathy and action.
This protest follows the abduction of five youth corps members and the killing of two others along the Ifon/Owo road last weekend.
Residents of the Ose/Owo/Akoko axis of the state have called for the immediate removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, citing the alarming rate of kidnappings in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Julius Alade called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to immediately redeploy Oladipo, accusing him of inaction and failure to address the spate of kidnappings in the area.
He lamented, “Although the security situation in our area is improving with the presence of the Army and Amotekun, we need a new Commissioner of Police. Mr. Abayomi Oladipo’s men have not been proactive in arresting kidnappers in our forests.”
“We appeal to the IGP and Governor Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appoint a more proactive Police Commissioner who will work harmoniously with other security agencies to stop the killings and kidnappings in this area.”
Chief Sunday Okiki from Owo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the recent purchase of brand-new operational vehicles for security agencies but stressed that it would be difficult for other security agencies to make an impact without a Commissioner of Police willing to collaborate with the Army, DSS, and Amotekun Corps.
Okiki stated, “The Amotekun men are trying, but they lack the sophisticated weapons that the Army and Police have. Our people live in fear, especially along the Owo-Ifon road.”
He called for an assessment of the security situation in Ondo State, comparing it from six or seven months ago to the last three months, noting that the state is experiencing a resurgence of herders’ attacks.
He mentioned that the state had witnessed high-profile kidnapping cases, with an unspecified number of travelers abducted in the past six months in Ikare Akoko, Irun Akoko, Ifon, Owo, Ogbese, and other areas.
Meanwhile, the Ondo North Youths alleged that the state government and security agencies have been treating kidnapping cases with kid gloves.
In a statement signed by its President, Ojo Bright Eniafe, the group stated that people no longer live in peace as kidnappers now attack in broad daylight and travelers are kidnapped daily.
According to Eniafe, “The leadership of the Ondo North Youth Alliance unequivocally condemns and berates the security malfeasance in the Ose council area regarding the recent kidnapping of innocent citizens and the killing of two – a driver and his passenger.”
“We strongly regret the inadequate security intervention before and after the criminal abductions. As a responsible youth platform, we maintain harmonious relationships with security agencies while protecting the interests of our people. We are therefore disappointed by the kid gloves with which the situation is handled.”
“We recall that the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, recently provided new Hilux vehicles to boost security across the state. Unfortunately, security has deteriorated in our axis, despite this initiative.”
“Sadly, until this moment, the people of Ose LGA are yet to see security chiefs, led by the Commissioner of Police, sympathize with our people.”
“We are yet to see convincing statements from constituted authorities grieving with our people and addressing the situation. The people of Ose are human and deserve better treatment.”
“We expect condemnations from all and sundry. We also appreciate the intervention of Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, MHR representing Ose/Owo Federal Constituency, while demanding that other leaders stand with us during our dark days rather than just during the electioneering process.”
“Our people will stand with only those who identify with us. Consequently, all youth leaders within the Senatorial District should now fly the black emblem as a symbol of our resistance and pain. Ose LGA will never be forgotten, and neither will the people be subjugated.”
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The youth group demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of kidnapped victims and the declaration of a state of emergency in Ose Local Government by the Governor.”
They also called for the “immediate rehabilitation of roads, improved security, succor for the families of the deceased, and a codified plan to eliminate insecurity in our region.”
Additionally, they demanded a “proactive response to the yearnings and aspirations of our people, an emergency youth conference, and active roles for our national assembly members and other stakeholders in saving constituents.”
The Federal Government must immediately direct support and relief, as well as the construction of deplorable federal government roads.
“We demand nationwide criticism of the dastardly acts. The criminal silence from political leaders is unforgivable.”
“The people of Ifon are grieving, and a dark cloud looms over Ose LGA. We are no longer safe, and we cannot remain silent. We give the security architecture and government seven days to restore the fundamentals of governance in our axis.”
“Failure will lead to lawful reactions from our people, permitted within the laws of the federation, to drive home our demands for safety.”
“As we mourn, we remember all the lost lives in our district. Our hearts bleed. This must be the last sacrifice of innocent lives to insecurity in our domain. Enough is enough.”
