Ondo State is facing a mounting security crisis following a wave of violent incidents in recent days, raising widespread fears among residents and calls for urgent government intervention.
The state was recently shaken by the discovery of three headless bodies floating in a river in Odigbo, the gruesome killing of three farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Ofosu Forest Reserve, and the assassination of a prominent hotelier in the state capital, Akure. These incidents have heightened the sense of insecurity across the state and prompted warnings from civil society groups.
Kidnappings for ransom have also become increasingly frequent, especially along highways and rural roads. Victims have included farmers, traders, and commuters, leading to a growing sense of vulnerability among residents who now question the capacity of security agencies to protect lives and property.
On Tuesday, a GUO Transport bus travelling towards Abuja was ambushed by gunmen along the Akunu axis of the state, close to the Kogi border. The vehicle was riddled with bullets, and passengers were reportedly injured. A video from the scene showed blood stains across the front seats of the bus and the visibly shaken driver giving thanks for surviving the attack.
Despite the presence of police checkpoints along the route, the attackers were able to strike and escape. The Akunu–Ayere corridor, where the incident occurred, has long been identified as a hotspot for kidnappings and armed attacks.
A civic group has now called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take immediate and decisive action to prevent the security situation from spiraling further out of control. In a statement, the group emphasised that the time for reactive measures was over and urged the governor to initiate a proactive and inclusive strategy.
They proposed the urgent convening of a statewide security summit that would bring together traditional rulers, security agencies, local hunters, community leaders, youth organisations, religious institutions, and civil society actors. The summit, they said, should produce a comprehensive security roadmap, focusing on forest and border surveillance, community intelligence, and the expansion and equipping of the Amotekun Corps.
The group warned that the recent incidents suggest a collapse of law and order in parts of the state and stressed that the government must act swiftly to restore confidence among residents.
“There must be a shift from statements of condemnation to practical steps that secure lives and restore peace. The people of Ondo are watching, and they are demanding real action,” the statement read.
They also warned that continued government inaction could deepen the crisis and result in further loss of public trust. “No one feels safe anymore—not even in urban centres. The killing of innocent farmers and the assassination of a prominent businessman underline the urgency of this moment.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa has yet to issue a public response to the latest incidents. However, stakeholders across the state are urging his administration to step up efforts to combat insecurity and prevent further bloodshed.
