…as abductors kill two kidnapped victims in Akure

• We’re deploying fresh technology to battle criminals, Police, NSCDC, Amotekun assure residents

By Bukola Olamona

Amid rising cases of kidnapping in Ondo State, security agencies have resolved to strengthen operations and deploy technology-driven strategies to tackle the menace.

This decision was reached at a crucial security meeting in Akure following the gruesome murder of two kidnap victims near Akure Airport, an incident that has heightened fears among residents.

The meeting, hosted by the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oluyemi Ibinoye, was attended by top security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Olatokunbo Afolabi, and the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

Discussions focused on the alarming spike in abductions across the state.

No fewer than five kidnapping incidents have been recorded in the past two weeks.

Among the victims were three students of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, who were abducted in broad daylight at Oba Ile.

In another incident, a farmer and his labourer were kidnapped while returning from their farm.

The latest killings near Akure Airport have sent shockwaves across the state, with residents now living in fear as criminal gangs continue their nefarious activities unchecked.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Oluyemi Ibinoye, disclosed that security agencies were adopting modern surveillance techniques to track and neutralise the kidnappers.

“We are introducing new tactics and innovations to counter these criminals. With the arrival of a new brigade commander, security agencies are now better equipped, and several agencies have procured sophisticated gadgets to enhance intelligence gathering,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatokunbo Afolabi, and the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to rid the state of criminals, stating that operatives had been combing forests in search of the kidnappers.

“For the past four days, our tactical teams have been combing the bushes. This meeting is aimed at formulating a lasting solution to ensure that these criminals do not overrun the state capital,” Afolabi said.

Meanwhile, security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible intelligence, assuring them that such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.