Applause as checkpoints return to major highways in Ondo

By Temitope Adedeji, Akure

Ondo State residents have expressed joy at the return of checkpoints manned by soldiers in different parts of the state.

Residents of Akoko and other areas, most especially the border towns, who have been experiencing rise in criminal activities, ranging from kidnapping to farmer/herder clashes, expressed happiness over the development.

The presence of the soldiers was confirmed by our reporter, who observed them on duty at a point close to Oba in Akoko Southwest Local Government, Ikare, Ajowa, Akunu and Isua.

The Regent of Igasi Akoko, Princess Mojirade Ipinlaye, who spoke with Westernpost on phone described the development as a welcome decision between the state government and the military authority.

She appealed for a checkpoint at Igasi-Eriti axis which shared border with Omuo Oke and Kogi State, to curtail the activities of kidnappers that have been on the rise in recent time.

Ipinlaye said the recent kidnapping of a cassava farmer at Igasi Akoko, which led to many farmers abandoning farms, called for more security presence in addition to local vigilante groups.

An Ise Akoko community leader, Prince Adekunle Omola gave kudos to the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu for his efforts to secure lives and properties of the people.

Omola specifically gave commendation to the Police and the area command under the leadership of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Muri Agboola, who led his men to comb the volatile forests in Ajowa, Akunu Auga and Ise while Amotekun corps were also effective as they rescued travellers along Idoani-Ifira Akoko axis recently.

The people called on Akoko towns and villages that haven’t constituted their local security outfits to do so as a matter of priority.