Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the former deputy governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi on Wednesday traded words over the spate of Killings by suspected herdsmen and insecurity in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, Agboola Ajayi who was the PDP governorship candidate in the 2024 governorship election in the state condemned the rate of killings and the approach being applied by Governor Aiyedatiwa in tackling the menace.
Ondo State has been grappling with an alarming rise in kidnapping, banditry, and killings, with over many lives lost to criminal activities in recent weeks.
Ajayi condemned the APC government’s handling of the crisis, citing the previous administration’s success in managing similar security challenges.
Ajayi highlighted the robust plan implemented during his tenure, which included stopping open grazing by herdsmen and establishing sanity in the state ¹.
He called on Aiyedatiwa to seek help and take proactive measures to address the security crisis and revamp Amotekun, the state’s security network, immediately.
He also asked Aiyedatiwa to Re-establish Armed Forest Guards to police forests and uproot criminal elements and ensure effective administration of the over N1 billion security vote to yield tangible results
Reacting, Aiyedatiwa asked Ajayi to stop playing Politics with Security.
In a statement made available to Newsmen in Akure, Steve Otaloro
Director, Media and Publicity,
APC, Ondo State chapter said, “It is essential to note that the issue of insecurity is not unique to Ondo State. It is a national challenge that has plagued many regions, and attributing its emergence solely to the current administration is both misleading and unfair.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has inherited a complex landscape of security threats that requires a multifaceted approach, and he has been committed to tackling these issues head-on.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing the security architecture of Ondo State. Under his leadership, the Amotekun Corps has been strengthened, and the collaboration between local security agencies and community leaders has been prioritized.
“These efforts have been instrumental in curbing crime rates and restoring peace in affected areas. It is important to recognize that security is a shared responsibility, and the government is actively working with citizens to foster a safer environment.
“Mr. Agoola Ajayi’s assertions regarding the alleged inefficacy of the current administration are not only unfounded but also politically motivated. His comments reflect a blatant attempt to exploit the sensitive issue of security for political gain, especially after his significant defeat in the last governorship election.
“Instead of offering constructive criticism or solutions, he chooses to engage in fear-mongering, which only serves to create panic among the populace.
“As a former Deputy Governor, Mr. Ajayi is aware of the delicate nature of security matters. His public pronouncements, including the dissemination of unverified figures regarding the state’s security votes, not only undermine the efforts of the government but could also inadvertently provide critical information to criminals.
“It is imperative that he exercise caution in his statements, as baseless claims could jeopardize the safety of our citizens.
“We urge Mr. Ajayi to adopt a more responsible approach when discussing security issues. Instead of playing to the gallery, he should focus on collaborative efforts that promote peace and security in Ondo State. The people of Ondo State deserve leaders who prioritize their safety over political ambition.
“In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his efforts to combat insecurity in Ondo State. We call on all stakeholders, including Mr. Agoola Ajayi, to join hands in fostering a secure environment for our citizens. Together, we can work towards solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all Ondo State residents.”
