The Ondo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sharply criticized Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his administration over what it described as a “shocking display of insensitivity” following the reported terrorist attacks that claimed multiple lives in Akure North Local Government Area.
In a press statement released on Tuesday and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Oyeniyi Iwakun, the SDP condemned the government’s response to the attacks, accusing the administration of downplaying the tragedy and failing to act decisively.
The party expressed outrage at comments made by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Olugbenga Atiba, who reportedly described the incident as “absolute falsehood” and “fake news.” The SDP said such a dismissal undermines credible reports from survivors and eyewitnesses, including the Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adekemisola Adelowo, who confirmed that at least 14 people were killed during the attacks.
According to the SDP, the attacks, which affected communities such as Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, are part of a growing wave of insecurity that has plagued various parts of the state in recent months. The party referenced previous incidents, including the January killings of travelers along the Owo-Ikare Road, the February abduction of farmers in Arimogija, and violent cult clashes in Owo, as examples of the state government’s continued failure to protect lives.
“It is unconscionable that in the face of such suffering and terror, the Aiyedatiwa administration has chosen to gaslight victims and deny the reality of their trauma,” the statement read.
The party demanded an immediate retraction of the government’s denial, a coordinated security intervention to prevent further attacks, humanitarian support for displaced residents and bereaved families, and an investigation into the security failures that allowed the violence to persist for several days without government intervention.
“The people of Ondo State deserve a responsive and compassionate government—one that acknowledges their pain and prioritizes their safety, not one that buries its head in the sand for political convenience,” the party stated.
The SDP extended its condolences to the victims and pledged solidarity with affected communities, vowing to continue advocating for justice and accountability across the state.
