Amidst rising insecurity, the Ondo State Government has given a marching order to the Amotekun Corps to mount security posts in communities facing attacks by suspected herdsmen.
The state’s deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, gave the directive in Akure on Wednesday while addressing protesters from Akure North Local Government Area in response to protests from residents of the area over the incessant killings of farmers which is fast becoming a regular occurrence.
As part of immediate actions to tackle the menace, Amotekun has also been instructed to send patrol teams to the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
Adelami assured the protesters that the government is working on proffering lasting solutions but urged them to return home while security measures are being put in place.
He acknowledged that Ondo State has been peaceful but expressed concern that recent events are gradually changing the narrative. He noted that the governor had already met with security agencies to strategize but could not publicly disclose the details.
The protesters, led by the Regent of Ademekun Community, Kemisola Adelowo, appealed to the government to act swiftly. She confirmed that four farmers had been killed on Wednesday, making it unsafe for others to access their farmlands. She called for justice and protection to ensure farmers return to work without fear.
The state government has assured residents that the establishment of Amotekun security posts and patrols will serve as an immediate step while broader measures are being developed to tackle insecurity in the area.
