Residents of Oba-Ile and surrounding areas in Akure North Local Government Area are living in fear following a surge in kidnappings that have unsettled the community.

Last week, unknown gunmen killed a health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, and abducted his child near Akure Airport in Eleyowo. The previous week, two former students of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, were kidnapped at Oke Oge while returning from their farm, with their captors demanding a ₦15 million ransom.

Reports indicate that some residents have been forced to pay ransoms after receiving direct threats of abduction. Just last month, five farmers were brutally murdered at Ajegunle Powerline in Akure North, further heightening tensions in the area.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, acknowledged the rising security concerns and stressed the urgent need for advanced equipment and vehicles to effectively tackle the challenge. He noted that kidnappers have become more sophisticated and emphasized the necessity of tracking devices and drones to curb the menace.

In response to the escalating situation, he has directed all Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols across the state. He also stated that divisions without patrol vehicles would resort to using motorcycles to ensure continued surveillance and response efforts.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Security, Chief Gbenga Atiba, assured residents that the state government is taking significant measures to ensure the safety of lives and property.

As kidnappings continue to rise, residents remain on edge, calling on authorities to implement swift and effective security interventions.