Ondo State is grappling with a surge in crime, particularly kidnapping, which has been linked to the proliferation of arms ahead of the November 2024 governorship election and the critical shortage of police patrol vehicles, SaharaReporters has learned.
Security sources revealed that as much as 80 percent of police stations in the state lack patrol vehicles, leaving large parts of Ondo without an active security presence. This absence of mobility has left several communities vulnerable to criminals, especially kidnappers, who now operate with impunity.
“Ondo State has come under the heavy crime of kidnapping because 80 per cent of police stations don’t have patrol vehicles, and the governor doesn’t seem to care,” a senior police source told SaharaReporters.
Election-Related Proliferation Of Arms
Security sources cited the last governorship election, held on November 16, 2024, as a key factor in the rise in crime. According to insiders, a large cache of arms was smuggled into the state ahead of the polls to arm political thugs.
“The election Ondo State had on November 16, 2024, is a major contributor to the security challenges facing the state now,” a security source said.
“Prior to the election, a lot of arms were brought in for political thugs. There was a proliferation of arms all over. That is the major factor.”
The source added that, unlike other states facing similar security issues, Ondo lacks basic security infrastructure such as surveillance drones and tracking devices.
“Other states where they have security challenges make provisions for drones, trackers and certain equipment to tackle security — but in Ondo State, the police don’t have such facilities,” one of the sources noted.
Porous Borders Fuel Arms Smuggling
Concerns have also been raised over Nigeria’s porous borders, which have made it easy for weapons and other contraband to enter the country illegally.
“I don’t think there is anything that anybody wants to bring into this country that they cannot bring in. Most times, the borders are very porous,” a security official disclosed.
The ease with which arms are smuggled across the borders, especially during political seasons, has emboldened criminal networks and deepened the state’s security crisis.
Governor’s Efforts ‘Inadequate’
In 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa procured seven Toyota Hilux vehicles for the police and other security agencies. However, police sources have described the effort as grossly inadequate, given the size of the state and the number of police divisions.
“Last year, the state government bought seven Toyota Hilux which were given to the police and other security agencies, but it is not enough when the police alone have almost 55 divisions,” a police source explained.
Covering rural areas, where most kidnapping cases have been reported, remains a challenge due to the shortage of patrol vehicles.
“Toyota Hilux vehicles are very expensive now because one unit should be close to N70 million to N80 million. The police alone will need at least 30 Hilux vehicles to help solve the problem, let alone other security agencies,” another source noted.
Amotekun Blamed For Reduced Attention To Police
Some security sources believe that the creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has diverted state resources and attention away from the police.
“I believe that when Amotekun was established, the government diverted too much attention to Amotekun at the neglect of the Nigeria Police Force,” a senior police officer said.
While Amotekun has been instrumental in tackling local security issues, its limited resources have prevented it from adequately filling the gaps left by the underfunded police force.
Ondo Lagging Behind Neighbouring States
Sources noted that neighbouring Ogun and Ekiti states have strengthened their security infrastructure more effectively. Nearly all police divisions in Ekiti reportedly have new patrol vehicles, enabling them to respond swiftly to criminal activities.
In contrast, the shortage of vehicles in Ondo has left many communities without adequate security coverage, particularly in remote areas where criminal gangs have established strongholds.
Security Experts Call For Urgent Intervention
Security analysts have warned that without urgent action to address the shortage of patrol vehicles and curb the flow of illegal arms, the state’s security situation will deteriorate further.
“There is an urgent need to provide at least 30 new patrol vehicles for the police force to ensure proper coverage of the state,” a security expert advised.
Calls have also been made for the state government to invest in modern security infrastructure, including surveillance drones, tracking devices, and intelligence-gathering equipment.
“Other states where they have security challenges have adopted modern strategies, but Ondo is yet to take such steps,” a source said.
With kidnapping and other violent crimes on the rise, the people of Ondo are looking to the state government and security agencies for swift and decisive action to restore peace and security.
Ondo State has recently experienced a series of violent incidents and security challenges that have raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.
Communal Clashes And Land Disputes
In January 2025, a violent clash erupted between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to many others.
The conflict, rooted in unresolved land and boundary disputes, led to the destruction of several properties, including the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall.
In November 2024, ahead of the state’s governorship election, political tensions escalated in Idanre community. Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs, leading to injuries and heightened fears of election-related violence.
Kidnapping And Criminal Activities
The state has also witnessed a resurgence in kidnapping and other criminal activities. In response, the state government engaged a private security firm to address the growing concerns of farmers threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands.
These incidents underscore the multifaceted security challenges confronting Ondo State, ranging from communal disputes and political violence to kidnapping and general criminal activities.
In recent days, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, witnessed significant unrest following the tragic killing of five farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Aba Oyinbo community of Akure North Local Government Area.
This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, sparked widespread protests among local farmers and residents.
According to reports, armed assailants invaded the Aba Oyinbo community, opening fire and resulting in the deaths of five individuals.
This attack came on the heels of a similar incident just two weeks prior, where gunmen reportedly killed at least 14 people in four neighbouring communities—Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido—all within the same local government area.
Protests And Public Outcry
In response to the killings, a large number of aggrieved farmers and community members marched to the Governor’s Office in Akure, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate action from the state government to address the escalating violence.
The protesters expressed frustration over the increasing insecurity and the perceived lack of adequate response from authorities.
The recent killings are part of a troubling pattern of violence in Ondo State, particularly targeting farming communities. The persistent attacks have not only led to loss of lives but have also instilled fear among residents, disrupting agricultural activities and threatening the livelihoods of many.
