The Ondo State Government has expressed concern over recent kidnapping incidents in the state.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said it has been discovered that the kidnappings were orchestrated by some locals within the area of operations. The government has therefore directed all security agencies to crackdown on the collaborators.

According to the commissioner, “The government is aware that the unscrupulous elements want to use the criminal activities to portray Ondo State as unsafe. Such acts are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.”

To curb the nefarious activities, the government has empowered all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these activities. Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Ajanaku added that “The government reiterates that significant investments have been made to strengthen the state’s security architecture. These include the provision of utility vehicles and other logistics support to security agencies, the construction of a state-of-the-art Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), and the recent recruitment of 500 well-trained Amotekun personnel to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the state.”

The commissioner called on traditional rulers to remain vigilant and closely monitor activities within their domains., asking them to promptly report any suspicious movements or gatherings to the appropriate security agencies.

Residents were also advised not to remain silent in the face of suspicious activities, “If you see something, say something.” 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 concluded.