Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured residents that his administration is committed to improving security measures across the state, particularly in Akure North Local Government Area, following a deadly attack that left at least 14 people dead across four communities.
The attack, which occurred last Saturday, affected the Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido communities, with several others injured. In addition, nine surveyors were abducted in the Ilu Abo Community, although they were freed shortly after a protest by hundreds of women.
The regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Kemisola Adelowo, expressed her distress and urged the government to deploy more security personnel to prevent further attacks, stating that the attackers had also threatened her life. Though initially denying reports of the killings, Governor Aiyedatiwa later addressed the issue, reaffirming his commitment to securing the state. He stated that enhancing security is the government’s primary responsibility, and efforts would be made to procure additional equipment, including trackers and drones, to support security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
Survivors from the Aba Sunday community, including Solomon Simon and John, shared their harrowing accounts of the attack, which took place in the early hours of the morning. John, who was wounded during the attack, described how the assailants shot indiscriminately and how many people were killed while trying to escape. Solomon Simon similarly recalled the gunfire and the tragic loss of life in the community. The survivors identified the attackers as Fulani people, highlighting the tension in the area, which has seen no prior issues with the Fulani herders.
In response to the tragic incident, Ondo State’s Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Wilfred, visited the affected communities, met with survivors, and ordered the deployment of the command’s homicide department to investigate the attack. He also urged the public to report incidents promptly to the police and to verify information before sharing it to prevent panic.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that security agencies in the state would continue their hard work, and the state government would ensure they are properly supported to tackle the rising insecurity.
