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Tag: Ondo State

  • Ondo: Kidnapped health worker rescued unhurt – Police

    Ondo: Kidnapped health worker rescued unhurt – Police

    The Police Command in Ondo State says it has successfully rescued Mr Ayodeji Akinsero, a health worker at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, who was kidnapped on Aug.28, 2025.

    DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s Spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Akure, after Akinsero was kidnapped by armed men at his residence in Owo Local Government Area of the State.

    Ayanlade said the rescue was achieved following the directive given by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, after receiving the report of the incident.

    “Upon receiving the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, immediately gave a clear directive that the victim must be rescued at all cost.

    “Acting on this directive, the Area Command in Owo, working in synergy with the divisional Police, operatives of the command, and the Upeme Vigilante Group, launched a coordinated operation.

    “The joint team, working tirelessly and in close collaboration, deployed credible intelligence and embarked on aggressive bush combing operations throughout Thursday and into Friday night.

    “Their sustained efforts paid off when the kidnappers, confronted in a gun duel, were forced to flee, abandoning the victim.

    “He was rescued unhurt without any ransom being paid, and immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for medical attention. He has, since, been joyfully reunited with his family,” he said.

    The spokesperson, therefore, said that the command commended the gallantry and resilience of the police operatives and the Upeme Vigilante Group, whose collaboration and sacrifices were instrumental to the rescue.

    According to him, the invaluable role of members of the public, who provided timely and actionable information, is also greatly acknowledged.

  • IPAC reacts SDP’s growing popularity in Ondo

    IPAC reacts SDP’s growing popularity in Ondo

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commended the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for gradually carving a stronger presence in Ondo State’s political landscape.

    The state Chairman of IPAC, Mr Olaoluwa Adesanya, stated this while leading leaders of the Council on a visit to the SDP secretariat in Akure on Friday.

    Adesanya described SDP as a formidable opposition in the state.

    He said the Council recognized SDP’s rising profile in the state, praising the party’s leadership quality.

    Adesanya emphasised that IPAC’s mandate was not to oppose government blindly but to engage in constructive criticism while acknowledging genuine strides in governance.

    “We recognize the steady growth of the SDP and the contributions of Barrister Gbenga Akinbuli to deepening democracy in Ondo State.

    “His induction into the Council is a step in the right direction,” he said.

    Also speaking, IPAC Secretary in the state, Comrade Alex Adeniyi, described Akinbuli’s recognition within the Council as “timely and well-deserved.”

    Adeniyi noted that the state SDP chairman’s contribution in IPAC would deepen democracy in the state.
    In his response, Akinbuli appreciated the IPAC leadership in the state for the solidarity visit and pledged to continue supporting it’s programmes.

    Other party leaders on the visit include Mr Jenyo Ataunoko, the Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM); and Elder Funso Felix Owaro, IPAC Treasurer and Chairman of the Action Revival Movement (ARM).

  • Police confirm abduction of health workers in Ondo

    Police confirm abduction of health workers in Ondo

    The Police in Ondo State has confirmed the abduction of a staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Adebowale Lawal, State Commissioner of Police, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Akure, said police personnel had begun combing the forests to apprehended the kidnappers and rescue the victim unhurt.

    According to Lawal, the police is in a joint effort with other sister security agencies to ensure the victim’s rescue while the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.

    “Our men are currently inside the bush in collaboration with other sister security agencies and engaging the community to rescue the victim unhurt.

    “Let me assure you that we are not resting to ensure the citizens of the state are well secured,” he said.

    Earlier, it was gathered that the staff, a medical worker simply known as Pastor Akesinro, was kidnapped at his residence located at Upenme on Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    It was also gathered that Akesinro was abducted around 7:00 p.m last night (Aug.28) inside his house.

  • JUST IN: 2 PDP Assembly members defect to APC in Ondo

    JUST IN: 2 PDP Assembly members defect to APC in Ondo

    Two members of the Ondo State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, on Tuesday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Afe, member representing Akoko North-West 2, while Agbulu represents Akoko South-West 2 at the Assembly.

    The letters of resignation of the two lawmakers were read at the plenary by the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Benjamin Jayeola.

    The duo cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP in the state as the reason for their resignation.

    Afe stated that he had made a wide consultation with his constituents and major stakeholders before taking the decision.

    According to him, APC, as a political platform, will enable him to deliver more dividends of democracy to his constituency.

    Similarly, Agbulu said that APC is a most viable political platform to serve his constituents, thanking the PDP for its support during his membership with the platform.

    With the defection, APC has 24 out of 26 members while PDP has two members in the Assembly.

    Earlier, the House of Assembly enjoined the state executive council to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for the staff of the Assembly.

    The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter had given a 21-day ultimatum for the implementation of CONLESS by the state government.

    The Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr Olatunji Oshati(Ose/APC), said that the non implementation of CONLESS in the state was a matter of public interest, adding that the legislative arm had taken it upon itself to intervene.

    Oshati appealed to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to consider the agitation of the Assembly staff.

    He added that other states in the South-West had implemented the salary structure for the staff of their respective Houses of Assembly.

    The majority leader, therefore, urged the staff to exercise more patience and allow intervention of the Assembly for a peaceful resolution.

    Similarly, the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji, asked the Assembly staff not to take laws into their hands but allow dialogue instead of confrontation .

    Oladiji, who commended the patience of the staff, assure them that the Assembly’s leadership would discuss with the governor for a resolution.

    He said that the implementation of the salary structure would improve capacity and efficiency of the staff.

    According to him, the legislative arm will continue to protect and defend the interest of the staff.

  • Gunmen kill 34 year-old man, abduct woman in Ondo

    Gunmen kill 34 year-old man, abduct woman in Ondo

    The Police Command in Ondo State says a 34 year-old man, Okudili Okoro was shot dead and one Mrs Orogun was whisked away by unknown gunmen. The incident took place on Thursday at Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, who confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday im Akure, said that gunmen numbering about 10 in two vehicles were involved in the act.

    Ayanlade explained that the vehicle used in the act was an unregistered Silver colored Honda Accord car headed towards Akure after the operation.

    He said there was another unregistered Grey colored Toyota Camry, also  headed towards Owo after the attack.

    Ayanlade said that the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, visited Ogbese, the scene of the incident, on Friday.

    “The CP has ordered all tactical commanders to do everything possible to ensure that the victim is rescued unharmed and those responsible arrested.

    “I can confirm to you that yesterday at about 2030hrs, a woman was abducted at Ogbese while one individual was shot.

    “Upon receipt of this information the CP also directed all tactical commanders to do everything possible to rescue the said woman and ensure those responsible were brought to book.

    “We urge the good people of Ondo state to cooperate with us, while anyone with relevant information should please come forward,” he said.

  • Police confirm death of DPO in Ondo

    Police confirm death of DPO in Ondo

    The Police Command in Ondo State has confirmed the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kajola Police Station in Odigbo Local Government Area, CSP Nimrod Anaka.

    DSP Ayanlade Olushola, the command spokesman, who confirmed this to NAN on Wednesday, did not give details of the officer and what led to his death.

    “I can confirm that the DPO(Anaka) has died, but it’s only medical expert that can confirm what caused his death. His age and indigene will be made known to the public later,” Ayanlade said.

    The DPO who was said to have developed a sudden illness, died on his way to a hospital for medical attention on Tuesday.

    The news of his death threw the officers attached to the station into mourning. A source disclosed that the body of the DPO had been deposited at a mortuary.

  • Ondo communities reject proposed Ose State

    Ondo communities reject proposed Ose State

    Stakeholders from Owo and Ose Local Government Areas of Ondo State have rejected the recent proposal for the creation of “Ose State”.

    They said that the rejection was mainly based on lack of consultations with the indigenous people of the two local governments, especially with its proposed capital in Ikare-Akoko.

    This is contained in the communique read at their meeting held in Owo on Sunday under the chairmanship of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.

    Chief Gbenga Ale, a former Chief of Staff to the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, read the communique to the newsmen.

    The meeting lamented that the recent proposal for the creation of “Ose State” was without due consultations with the indigenous peoples of Owo and Ose.

    They added that historically, Owo was the administrative headquarters of the defunct Owo Division- an expansive jurisdiction encompassing all of present-day Akoko and parts of what is now Kogi State.

    “That the said proposal, conceived and driven largely by our Akoko brothers is a repudiation of democratic ethos and a calculated attempt to erode the historical pre-eminence and strategic centrality of Owo and Ose within the sub region.

    “Regardless of the suitability of Owo as the capital of the proposed Ose State, reflection and deeper insight may suggest that Owo/Ose LGAs fortune will be better served in present Ondo State,” the stakeholders stated.

    They argued that the “arbitrary and exclusionary proposal” for the creation of “Ose State” with its capital at Ikare-Akoko was rejected in its entirety.

    “It is procedurally defective, morally indefensible, politically provocative and economically untenable.

    “That any future attempt to redraw the administrative map of the region whether in the form of state creation or boundary adjustment must be predicated on inclusive consultations and constitutional procedure.

    “Therefore, this communiqué stands as a solemn declaration of the united stand of the Owo and Ose people against any attempt to diminish their historical prominence, political relevance, economic viability and security interests, ” they said.

    The meeting was attended by notable indigenes and traditional rulers from the two local government areas.

    Those in attendance included the Olumoru of Imoru, Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun, a former Senator representing Ondo North, Bode Olajumoke, and former member of House of Representatives, Bode Ayorinde.

    Others were; the Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Femi Adekanmbi and a former member, House of Representatives, Eni Omosule.

  • FRSC sends strong warning to motorcyclist plying highways

    FRSC sends strong warning to motorcyclist plying highways

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reiterated its warning to arrest any motorcyclists riding on highways without crash helmets in the State.

    Dr Samuel Ibitoye, Ondo State FRSC Sector Command, gave the warning while speaking on Sunday in Akure.

    Ibitoye told NAN that the corps had redoubled its efforts to arrest, impound and prosecute any motorcyclist riding on highways without a helmet.

    He explained that most of the crashes involving motorcycles without crash helmets usually resulted in fatalities where skulls, limbs and thighs were broken.

    “It is good for motorcycle riders to avoid highways completely but when they find themselves there, they should use the crash helmets and not engage in competition with the vehicles, especially heavy vehicles.

    “Don’t claim any rights on the way as an exposed road user, please let the vehicle go and have your own life intact.

    “There is a sanction for any motorcyclist riding on highways without the use of a helmet.

    “The motorcycle will be impounded and fine paid, but that is not the major thing we are preaching. We are preaching the use of the helmet and safety first,” he said.

    The commander, therefore, called on traditionalists, religious leaders and title-holders riding motorcycles without crash helmets to desist from such attitudes for their own safety.

    “Do not say because you are a titleholder or a religious person, that it is only your turban or cap you must wear.

    “No, If you want to entertain your titles don’t go and ride. Please think of your own safety rather than the title you are talking about.

    “Crashes do not know religion, it doesn’t know tradition, it doesn’t know titles and when it happens it takes you as human and your body goes for it as a motorcycle rider.

    “So, if you must ride, wear your crash helmet and if you don’t want to wear a helmet, please go and board a vehicle or car. Don’t get yourself killed unexpectedly,” Ibitoye said.

  • 7 abducted Ondo farmers regain freedom

    7 abducted Ondo farmers regain freedom

    The seven farmers kidnapped in their farmland at Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday have regained freedom.

    The victims were working on their farms when gunmen launched an attack and whisked them away.

    A relative of one of the abductees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told NAN on Friday that the seven farmers were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity.

    “I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all the seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back to their families.

    “I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.

    “They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting the N5 million and food items. The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said.

    Efforts by NAN to speak with the state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful as calls to his cell phone were not answered.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, simply said: “I’m not aware of their release.”

  • Ondo Assembly decries student killings at AAUA

    Ondo Assembly decries student killings at AAUA

    Lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly have decried the incessant killings of students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) by some suspected criminals.

    Three students of AAUA were recently killed in different circumstances by some indigenes of the university’s host community.

    The lawmakers, who spoke at the plenary on Tuesday under matter of urgent public importance, unanimously asked the university hosts community to rise up against criminal elements in the community.

    Speaking, Mr Tope Agbulu(Akoko South-West 2 -PDP), said that the recent killings had thrown the entire community into mourning.

    Agbulu, who is an indigene of the university’s host community, said the heart-breaking incidents created an atmosphere of fear and tension among students and residents.

    “The town of Akungba-Akoko, known historically as a student-friendly community, has recently seen a disturbing shift in dynamics, as criminal and violent elements among a few indigenes are now targeting students.

    “The security lapses in the area are becoming increasingly evident.

    “If not promptly addressed, these incidents risk escalating into a larger crisis involving retaliatory actions, fear-induced migration of students, and a general breakdown of peace in the area,” he said.

    According to him, the perpetrators do not represent the good people of Akungba, but their actions have cast a dark shadow on the image and safety of the community.

    The lawmaker urgently appealed to the state government, police and other relevant security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation into the killings and bring culprits to book.

    Agbulu appealed to the Assembly to condemn the heinous acts, demand justice and ensure that Akungba remained a safe haven for education, “not a theatre of bloodshed.”

    Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Ololade Gbegudu(Okitipupa 1-APC), suggested that the House Committee on Security should visit the community.

    He said there was need to sensitise parents so that they could educate their children and wards on ways to behave on campus and its host community.

    Similarly, Dr Chris Ogunlana (Irele-APC) advised the traditional ruler and other leaders in the community to caution their people and invoke spiritual incantation on perpetrators of the heinous crimes.

    Ogunlana added that it was incumbent upon the community to rise up and place curse on the perpetrators so that students could be saved.

    In his contribution, Mr Stephen Abitogun(Akure South 2-APC) noted that the killings had brought disrepute to the university’s host community.

    Abitogun urged the community to come together and reject the trend, stating the need for relevant bodies to sensitise the people and take proactive measures in preventing similar occurrence.

    The Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, asked the House Committee on Security to visit the university and its host community.

    Oladiji, who read the resolution of the Whole House on the matter, asked the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs to come up with sensitisation and orientation that would be of help to the students.

    He enjoined the state government to facilitate the establishment of a dedicated campus security taskforce in collaboration with the university management and community leaders.

    According to him, the security should launch a full scale investigation into the killings and bring all the culprits to justice.

    The Assembly also committed the bill to establish the Ondo State Coastal Agency to the House Committee on Transport and Public Utility.