Governor Akeredolu Raises The Alarm Over Upsurge In Crime Rate In Ondo

 The Ondo State Government on Friday admitted that there was an upsurge in crime rate in the state in the past few weeks. 

Last week, no fewer than 16 persons including market women, traders, civil servants and students were kidnapped on the Akure/Owo/Benin Highway. 

The route has also become a nightmare for motorists and commuters despite claims by Amotekun Corps to the contrary.

Also, there has been a rise in armed robbery cases and attack in Akure, the state capital.

Speaking on Friday, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said that the security situation deserves urgent attention.

Governor Akeredolu spoke through a statement by Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo.

The statement announced a ban on the activities of commercial motorcycle riders at night in a bid to curb crime in the state.

The statement reads, "Specifically, the last one week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemenable.

"As a government, one major responsibility is the provision of security as well as protection of lives and property. In this regard, measures aimed at achieving such goals are the least government can enunciate.

"Consequently, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has directed with immediate effect as follows:

"That all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6am and 6pm. In other words, none in this category shall operate beyond 6pm in the evening. Anyone found flouting this directive shall have his motorcycle impounded.

"That all vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads. Every of such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.

"Finally, it is pertinent to reiterate that security enhancement and war against insecurity are everybody's responsibility. While government and the security agencies play their parts, it is expected that the citizens also support by way of collaborating with the relevant agencies of government. 

"In this regard, residents of the state are urged to provide useful information about crime, criminal elements and activities in their immediate environment."