Ondo Assembly summons security chiefs over security situation

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned top security officials to appear before its leadership on or before 25 March 2025, to brief the House on the security situation in the state.

The lawmakers invited the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, and the Commandant of Amotekun Corps in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, to brief the House on the security situation in the state.

This was announced during the plenary on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, who called on the two officials to appear before the House to explain the persistent illegal activities of kidnappers in the state.

Oladiji noted that kidnapping has become a stigma and an attack on the people of Ondo State, citing the recent abduction of surveyors going about their normal business in the state.

The Speaker emphasised the need for the Ondo State Government to educate residents of the state about the activities of kidnappers, urging the state government to involve royal fathers and chiefs in the fight against kidnapping.

The House Speaker also advised the Federal Government to consider the creation of state police and to equip them with sophisticated weapons.

Speaking on the kidnapping activities in the state, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said Ondo State used to be one of the most peaceful states but noted that the state is now under the bondage of kidnappers and bandits.

He described the current condition of the state as unacceptable due to the activities of kidnappers, calling for adequate measures to curb the activities of criminals in the state.

Ogunmolasuyi stated that it is the right time to allow local security to function in the state and to be licensed with weapons.

The Majority Leader also said the Legislative arm is ready to cooperate with the Executive arm in moving the state forward.

Meanwhile, the House Spokesperson, Hon. Tunji Oshati, suggested the establishment of a joint task force in the state to curb the activities of kidnappers.

He urged the elected local government chairmen in the state to encourage vigilante groups to function effectively in order to stop the menace.

Additionally, Hon. Kolawole Ologede said that what people are witnessing, especially in Akure North, is not only kidnapping but also the activities of herdsmen, noting that people cannot go about their normal business.

Ologede called on the Ondo State Government to overhaul the security architecture of the state to put an end to incessant killings and kidnappings in the area.

Furthermore, Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet advised the Ondo State Government to establish synergy with neighbouring states that share boundaries with Ondo for appropriate security collaboration in addressing insecurity in the border communities.

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