…Says perpetrators are local collaborators
By Adegbaju Temitope
Ondo State Government has directed security agencies to intensify operations against kidnapping syndicates operating within the state, following what it described as fresh findings that some of the criminal activities were being orchestrated by local collaborators.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku on Tuesday, the government expressed deep concern over recent kidnapping incidents and warned that attempts by “unscrupulous elements” to portray the state as unsafe would not be tolerated.
The government stated that it had become aware of efforts by certain individuals to exploit criminal activities to tarnish the image of the state, stressing that such actions would be met with firm and lawful measures.
According to the statement, all security agencies in the state have been mandated to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups found to be involved in kidnapping and related crimes.
It added that security operatives have been directed to apprehend suspects, carry out thorough investigations and ensure that those culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The government reiterated that it has made significant investments in strengthening the state’s security architecture.
These, it said, include the provision of utility vehicles and logistics support to security agencies, the construction of a modern Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and the recent recruitment of 500 trained personnel to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the state.
Traditional rulers were urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor activities within their domains.
The government called on them to promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to relevant security authorities, noting that community-based intelligence remains a critical component in combating crime.
Residents were similarly advised not to remain silent in the face of suspicious activities.
The statement emphasised that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the government and assured that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the peace, security and stability of the state.
