Some people of Akotogbo community in Irele Local Government region of Ondo State have raised the alarm over the worrying pattern of violent murders in the region following the killing of two natives within few months.
The Nation reported that the killings had thrown the hamlet, a farming village, into turmoil and inhabitants were demanding more security presence.
A farmer, Mr Bode Loyinmi, was allegedly killed after he went to his property some months ago, it was learnt on Tuesday.
One resident, who talked to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the deceased, who was thought to be up for a “supervisory councillor position”, didn’t return home after he went to his farmland.
“The remains of Loyinmi were later found. This development has thrown my family into prolonged grief and increased the fear of insecurity in the area,” he said.
Another resident, Andrew Friday, died after he is said to have left home in the early hours of Friday, May 8, after a phone call, another resident said.
He did not come home and a search was initiated, sources said. His body was later found with a cell phone believed to belong to his attackers.
The incidents have put the dread of insecurity in the people, especially the farmers, who say they are now afraid of going to their farms alone.
The inhabitants appealed to the raditional leaders in the community; the Larogbo of Akotogbo, HRH Oba Michael Elumaro Akinfolarin, and the Laba-elect of Oke Ado Akotogbo, Chief Albert Akintoye to rise up to the security concerns in the town.
They also appealed to the security services and the Chairman of Irele LGA, Deacon Olajide Akinfe to swiftly intervene and address the recurring violent deaths in the town.
DSP Jimoh Abayomi, the state Police spokesperson, confirmed the situation in a phone talk and stated that the security agencies are aware of the incidences and have deployed additional security measures to prevent future breakdown of law and order in Akotogbo and neighboring villages.
Abayomi said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and other tactical teams have been dispatched to gather intelligence and track the perpetrators of the killings.
But he said efforts are continue to identify, apprehend and prosecute the culprits, confirming its commitment to public safety in the state.
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