Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Residents of Ondo State are expressing growing anxiety over the deteriorating security climate in Akure North Local Government Area following a succession of violent incidents that have included killings and kidnappings across several communities. The situation intensified after the murder of the traditional ruler of Agamo community, identified as the Alagamo of Agamo, who was reportedly killed inside his palace approximately seventy-two hours before this report.
Community sources say the attack on the monarch has become a symbol of the expanding reach of criminal actors operating within the region. The palace killing shocked residents because traditional institutions are generally regarded as culturally protected spaces where violence is uncommon. Local witnesses reported that the assailants entered the palace compound under circumstances that remain unclear and carried out the attack before escaping into surrounding terrain. Security agencies have not yet released detailed findings regarding the identity of the perpetrators or the motive behind the killing.
Tension has spread across neighbouring settlements as fear of further attacks grows. Many households now restrict night movement, and some families have begun relocating vulnerable members to towns perceived as safer. Market activities in several rural communities within Akure North have reportedly slowed, reflecting the psychological pressure imposed by the repeated security breaches.
The atmosphere of fear was compounded on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026, when another abduction was reported in the Ilu Abo community within the same local government area. Residents said armed individuals arrived in the area and seized one person before disappearing along suspected forest routes. This latest abduction represents the second recorded kidnapping incident in Ilu Abo within one month.
Community members recalled that the previous victim abducted from the same locality was later killed, with the body yet to be buried at the time another resident was taken. The sequence of events has generated intense grief and anger among locals, who say the violence appears to follow a troubling and recurring pattern.
Villagers interviewed by local information networks described the development as deeply disturbing. Some residents believe the attacks are orchestrated to test security response capabilities while simultaneously instilling fear among farming populations. Others expressed concern that the region’s extensive forest reserves may be providing cover for criminal hideouts and facilitating the movement of armed groups between communities.
The rising insecurity in Akure North has prompted renewed calls for intervention from the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State. Residents are urging the state government to prioritize the deployment of security resources to vulnerable communities rather than focusing primarily on political engagements. Many community members insist that safeguarding lives and property should remain the central policy objective.
Local stakeholders are particularly worried that the crisis could spread beyond Akure North if immediate preventive measures are not implemented. Some residents referenced security challenges previously experienced in parts of Kogi State and Kwara State, warning that early warning signals should not be ignored. Community leaders argue that criminal networks often expand operations gradually when state response mechanisms appear weak or inconsistent.
Security analysts monitoring the southwest region have noted that rural and semi-rural settlements are increasingly becoming targets for kidnapping operations due to limited surveillance infrastructure. While major urban centers usually receive more security patrols, smaller communities often rely on irregular police presence and local vigilance groups. Experts say this asymmetry can create exploitable gaps that criminal actors may use to carry out attacks.
Farmers within Akure North have also expressed fear over agricultural activities. Many said they are reluctant to travel long distances to farms situated near forest borders because of the possibility of abduction. Since farming remains the primary livelihood for a significant portion of the population, prolonged insecurity could have broader economic consequences including reduced food production and income instability.
The traditional leadership structure in Agamo community has also been affected by the killing of the Alagamo. Traditional rulers in southwestern Nigeria often serve as mediators between security agencies and local populations, and their safety is considered essential to community stability. The palace attack has therefore been interpreted by residents as a direct challenge to local authority structures.
Civil society groups in Ondo State have urged security agencies, including police formations and auxiliary intelligence units, to intensify surveillance in forested corridors connecting Akure North with neighbouring local government areas. They argue that intelligence-driven patrols, combined with community reporting systems, may help disrupt the movement of suspected criminal gangs operating in the region.
Some residents have called for the establishment of rapid response security outposts near vulnerable villages, particularly along routes known to be used by commuters and farmers. Youth organizations in several communities are also advocating stronger collaboration between civilian volunteers and official security institutions to provide early warnings of suspicious activities.
The appeal has been directed toward the state leadership, with many residents urging the governor to order immediate security reviews of Akure North. They emphasize that failure to act decisively could encourage further attacks and erode public confidence in government protection mechanisms.
Law enforcement authorities have not yet issued a comprehensive public statement detailing operational steps taken in response to the recent incidents. However, security sources indicate that investigations are ongoing and that patrols have been increased in selected areas. Officials caution residents to remain vigilant and report unusual movements to security hotlines or community leaders.
Despite assurances, many families remain anxious, particularly after hearing reports that one of the earlier abducted victims from Ilu Abo was killed while still in captivity. Such developments have intensified demands for more robust counter-kidnapping strategies and improved intelligence gathering.
The humanitarian impact of the violence is already visible in the emotional state of affected communities. Residents speak of collective mourning following the palace killing, while also expressing frustration that insecurity has persisted despite repeated warnings.
As the region confronts this mounting challenge, community members continue to appeal for urgent and coordinated security action. For many people living in Akure North, the immediate hope is that stronger protection measures will prevent the escalation of violence and restore confidence in the safety of their towns and villages.
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