By Our Correspondent
National News – Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has vowed a tougher security response following recent killings in Imafon community, Akure North Local Government Area.
The attack, carried out last week by suspected gunmen, left at least three people dead, including a mother and her daughter working on a poultry farm.
The development sparked protests on Saturday by residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado, who blocked the ShopRite junction in Akure to demand urgent government action.
The governor made the remarks during a Tuesday visit to the monarch of Imafon, Oba Samuel Aliu, assuring that banditry and criminal activities would no longer be tolerated across the state.
Security agencies in Ondo State, including the police, Civil Defence Corps, military, local hunters and vigilantes, have intensified joint operations across forest corridors and adjoining communities to flush out criminals.
According to the governor, the state has recorded over 100 arrests of suspected kidnappers who are currently being prosecuted, while surveillance has been strengthened following a shift from kidnapping for ransom to targeted killings.
He announced plans to establish additional Amotekun posts within troubled communities to improve response time and intelligence gathering.
The monarch of Imafon, Oba Samuel Aliu, commended ongoing interventions but raised concerns over inadequate firearms and delayed response by some security operatives, urging further support for local vigilantes.
Residents have continued to call for sustained security presence, especially in rural areas prone to forest-based attacks.
The government reiterated commitment to protecting lives and property while urging communities to provide intelligence support.
The renewed crackdown aims to restore calm, prevent further loss of lives, and secure agricultural activities in affected areas of Ondo State.
It further highlights the worsening insecurity in parts of Ondo State, where banditry and armed attacks have disrupted farming and rural livelihoods.
Authorities say collaboration between state-backed security outfits and community vigilantes will remain central to intelligence-driven policing.
The governor reaffirmed that restoring peace in Imafon and surrounding communities remains a top priority, with continuous operations planned to prevent recurrence and strengthen public confidence in security agencies.
