Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, has attributed the rising cases of kidnapping in the state to the uncontrolled influx of people, stressing that the situation has worsened security challenges.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Akure, Afolabi noted that the rapid migration into the Sunshine State has created a fertile ground for criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.

He admitted that the Ondo Police Command lacks the necessary high-tech equipment and operational vehicles to effectively combat the menace, adding that kidnappers have become more sophisticated in their operations.

His words: “What we rely on is deploying personnel to comb the bushes, but this method has not yielded significant success. Kidnapping is now a prevalent crime in Ondo State, and it is multidimensional. The increasing migration to the South has further complicated the security situation.”

Afolabi disclosed that some high-profile kidnap suspects were apprehended through the engagement of private trackers, highlighting the urgent need for improved security infrastructure, including military drones, high-tech binoculars, and fuel dumps.

He also argued that neighbourhood policing would be more effective in addressing security challenges than the agitation for state police.

On the lingering crisis between Idanre and Akure communities, the police boss stated that a buffer zone had been created to prevent further breakdown of law and order.