Fresh security incidents in Ondo State have intensified public concern over the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture, following a string of abductions and growing community protests.
Within just a few days, worshippers were abducted during a service at a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo, while multiple kidnapping cases around the Eleyewo/Ilu-Abo axis triggered spontaneous protests by angry residents who barricaded roads in frustration over what they describe as near-daily attacks.
According to a detailed statement issued by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, these incidents are not isolated, but rather reflect a disturbing and persistent pattern of insecurity that citizens can no longer ignore.
“When communities begin to protest for safety because kidnappings appear to occur almost daily, does this not suggest a loss of control that calls for urgent self-check?” Temokun asked.
Questions Over Ondo’s Security Architecture
Temokun warned that Ondo State is “gradually sliding—one day, one kidnapping,” as fear spreads across communities and public confidence in security institutions continues to erode.
He expressed concern that the leadership of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, appears distracted by internal and personal battles rather than confronting the worsening security crisis.
“The Amotekun Commander appears more occupied with fighting officers demanding legitimate appointment and confirmation letters than confronting the growing insecurity,” he said.
The lawyer urged Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, to urgently reassess the direction of security management in the state.
“Security is not about titles or positions, like commanders. What are you commanding if there are no results? It is about results and public confidence,” Temokun stated.
He cautioned that failure to act swiftly could lead to a complete breakdown of trust between citizens and the state’s security apparatus.
Drawing comparisons with recent national-level security controversies, Temokun referenced the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of deploying public office to fight personal battles, declaring critics wanted, and engaging in proxy wars that allegedly resulted in mounting judgment debts for the government.
He cited the case involving activist Omoyele Sowore as an example of how security leadership can become consumed by controversy rather than public safety.
Temokun argued that a similar pattern is emerging in Ondo State, where critics of the Amotekun leadership, including Ekujumi Julius and others, have reportedly been declared wanted, with agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency allegedly drawn into what he described as proxy battles.
“When a security chief begins to accumulate more enemies, more judgment debts, and more court cases for his principal, the time may be ripe for a change of baton,” he warned.
Concluding his statement, Temokun called for an immediate and comprehensive security audit of Ondo State, stressing that the “baton of security leadership must serve the people, not personal battles.”
As kidnappings persist and community anger grows, many residents now echo that call, demanding decisive action before insecurity further entrenches itself across the state.