Akeredolu: There’s a serious security crisis in Ondo

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, says the state is in a serious security crisis.

Akeredolu, who was reacting to the death of Israel Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon in Ose local government area of the state, described the killing of the monarch as “unbearable”.

Adeusi was shot dead by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on his way from a meeting of monarchs in Akure, the state capital.

In a statement by Donald Ojogo, the Ondo commissioner for information and orientation, Akeredolu said the government will deploy all within its means to unravel the killers of the monarch.

“All lives matter, but this is one too heavy and unbearable. It’s a sad day in Ondo State. Clearly, we are in a serious security crisis that requires extraordinary means,” Akeredolu was quoted to have said.

“The security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, have already been directed to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“On our part as a government, we shall give whatever it takes to unravel this. These criminals who have brought this sad day on our state shall not go unpunished.

“In deference to our customs and traditions, the state government will advisedly refrain from making public reference in statements or utterances in respect of the identity of the great loss.

“Nonetheless, without prejudice to ongoing efforts towards getting to the root of this abominable crime, government shall issue a formal and more detailed statement as dictated by tradition after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the affected community.”

Meanwhile, hours after the death of the monarch, the wife of Olugbenga Ale, chief of staff to the governor, was said to have been abducted.

She was reportedly kidnapped at Owena in Idanre local government area of the state on Thursday night.

Also on Thursday, gunmen were said to have attacked a branch of a commercial bank in Ode-Irele, headquarters of Irele local government area of Ondo.

According to a witness, the robbery operation which began around 4:10pm, lasted for over 50 minutes without any interruption from security agents.

One person was reportedly shot dead during the robbery incident.