Ondo residents call for urgent security intervention after mysterious killings

Some aggrieved residents of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have raised concerns over a troubling wave of violent deaths in the area following the killing of two residents within a few months.

The farming community has reportedly been thrown into fear and uncertainty as locals continue to call for stronger security presence in the area.
It was gathered on Tuesday that a farmer identified as Mr. Bode Loyinmi was allegedly killed after leaving for his farm some months ago.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that the deceased, who was reportedly being considered for a supervisory councillor position, failed to return home after going to his farmland.
The source added that Loyinmi’s remains were later discovered, a development said to have plunged his family into grief and heightened insecurity concerns among residents.
In another incident, residents said one Andrew Friday was found dead after reportedly leaving his home in the early hours of Friday, May 8, following a phone call.
The incidents have reportedly increased fear among residents, especially farmers who now say they are hesitant to visit their farms alone.
The residents appealed to traditional leaders in the community, including the Larogbo of Akotogbo, HRH Oba Michael Elumaro Akinfolarin, and the Laba-elect of Oke Ado Akotogbo, Chief Albert Akintoye, to address the growing security concerns in the area.
They also called on security agencies and the Chairman of Irele Local Government Area, Deacon Olajide Akinfe, to urgently intervene and tackle the recurring violent killings in the community.
Confirming the incidents during a phone conversation, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said security agencies are aware of the situation and have deployed additional security personnel to prevent further breakdown of law and order in Akotogbo and neighbouring communities.
Abayomi stated that operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and other tactical units have been mobilised to gather intelligence and track those responsible for the killings.
He added that efforts are ongoing to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, while reaffirming the commitment of the police to ensuring public safety in the state.