Ondo strengthens security, recruits 500 to tackle abductions

The Ondo State Government has ordered a renewed crackdown on kidnapping networks following a surge in abduction cases across parts of the state.

In a statement released on Tuesday via the Ministry of Information, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that certain residents were allegedly working with criminal elements to create a false impression of widespread insecurity.

“The Ondo State Government has expressed deep concern over the recent kidnapping incidents in the state, which have been discovered to have been orchestrated by some locals within those parts of the state and the government has directed all security agencies to crack down on them,” the statement read.

According to the government, the intention behind the crimes was to instil fear among citizens and tarnish the state’s reputation. It stressed that such actions “are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.”

Security agencies have now been instructed to heighten surveillance efforts and decisively pursue those responsible. Authorities said suspects would be arrested, thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.

The statement further outlined measures already taken to bolster security across the state. These include the procurement of patrol vehicles and other logistical support for security outfits, the establishment of a Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, and the recruitment of 500 additional personnel to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response capacity.

Traditional rulers were called upon to remain watchful within their communities, while residents were urged to promptly alert security operatives to any suspicious activity.

“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the peace, security, and stability of our dear state,” the statement added.