Residents of communities in Ondo State are gripped by fear as a wave of kidnappings, shootings, and ransom driven attacks continues to terrorise villages in Akure North Local Government Area. The growing insecurity has forced many residents to abandon their homes and farms, while security experts warn that without modern equipment, adequate funding, and stronger strategic interventions, the cycle of violence may persist.

Across Nigeria, security threats such as banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping remain major concerns. Although the southern region was once considered relatively peaceful, states such as Oyo State, Ekiti State, and Ondo have recently witnessed increasing cases of abductions and violent attacks. In Ondo State, public anger has grown following several high profile kidnappings involving church members, traditional rulers, and other residents, many of whom were released only after large ransoms were paid.

Among the 18 local government areas in the state, Akure North has recorded some of the most frequent incidents of violence. The council, created in 1997 with headquarters in the town of Iju, is one of the largest in the state and consists largely of farming communities. Many residents are non indigenes who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. The area also shares borders with Ekiti State and Edo State, making it a strategic but vulnerable location.

In one of the deadliest attacks, no fewer than 14 people were reportedly killed in coordinated assaults on the communities of Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido, allegedly by suspected herdsmen. Earlier, five farmers had also been shot dead in separate incidents within the same local government area.

Beyond the killings, numerous residents have been kidnapped in the past year and released only after ransom payments. In March last year, nine surveyors were abducted in Akure North and later freed after their families paid ransom. Several other abductions are believed to have gone unreported, as families often negotiate quietly with kidnappers to secure the release of victims.

The security situation has worsened since the start of this year. In January, three people, including a pregnant woman and a school proprietor, were abducted in Eleyowo, Ilu Abo, and Ayede communities, while another resident was killed in a shooting incident. In February, gunmen kidnapped one Jamiu Olawale and his wife and shot their neighbour, identified simply as Patrick. In the same month, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was murdered by bandits.

Another attack occurred in Ogbese community, where two traders riding a motorcycle were ambushed, leaving one dead while the other escaped. Also in February, five worshippers were abducted during a vigil at a church in Uso community in neighbouring Owo Local Government Area. They were later released after ransom payments.

The most recent case involved the abduction of the Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area, Kayode Aladesuyi, and another resident, Esther, who were kidnapped on their farm in Kajola, Akure North. In another disturbing incident captured in a viral video, four armed men were seen abducting a woman in front of her children outside her home.

As insecurity escalates, many residents have begun relocating to safer areas, while others are reportedly putting their houses up for sale. Several farmers, particularly non indigenes who rely on agriculture for survival, have moved to other communities or left the state entirely.

One affected family, Mr and Mrs Oladimeji, abandoned their home in Ilu Abo and relocated to Akure, where they rented an apartment in Eleyowo. According to Mr Oladimeji, the decision followed the kidnapping of a close friend in the community.

“Since the abduction of my friend, we have been living in fear. I had to rent a small apartment in Akure for my family. If the security situation improves, we may return, but for now we are considering selling the house,” he said.

Security sources also believe that local collaborators may be aiding the kidnappers by providing information about potential victims. According to a police source, some suspects arrested during investigations were not the kidnappers themselves but informants who supplied details about wealthy residents in exchange for a share of the ransom.

The monarch of Ilu Abo community, Olu Falae, also acknowledged the presence of collaborators within the community, saying many kidnappings appeared to be carefully planned based on insider information.

The Ondo State Government has recognised the threat posed by such collaborators. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, stated that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and arrest individuals assisting criminal gangs.

Similarly, the governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, vowed that anyone linked to kidnapping syndicates, whether locals or outsiders, would be treated as criminals and prosecuted accordingly.

Despite these assurances, residents insist that stronger action is required. Many have questioned whether the state government has provided sufficient logistical support to security agencies, noting that Ondo reportedly lacks modern security technology such as drones, tracking devices, and other advanced tools needed to combat kidnapping.

Although the government recently recruited 500 operatives into the Ondo State Security Network Agency and launched the Amotekun Rangers, stakeholders say additional measures are needed. They recommend empowering local hunters who understand the forest terrain to assist security agencies in flushing out criminal gangs hiding in the forests across the state.

Security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups say they are intensifying efforts to tackle the menace.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a tactical team has been deployed to Akure North to conduct round the clock patrols, surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Ilu Abo, Ayede, Ogbese, and nearby communities.

However, security analyst and retired military officer Toye Oluyi criticised the state government’s response, describing it as inadequate. He urged the governor to prioritise security by deploying modern technology and strengthening coordination among security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities.