The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured residents of government’s intervention following the brutal attacks on Alajido and Sunday Camp farm settlements in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The governor further assured residents of the affected areas of immediate security measures, and to ameliorate their plights.

The governor was represented by the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who confirmed the extent of the carnage.

“On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the affected families. We assure residents and farmers that now that the government is here, we will secure the area and bring the culprits to justice.

“It is a very unfortunate situation, and we pray such an incident never happens again,” he said.

The governor has summoned all heads of security agencies in the state to ensure that such an attack does not occur again.

The government urges residents to return to their homes and farms, assuring them that their security will be guaranteed.

The attacked villages, which the Amotekun Commander visited, include Alajido and Sunday Camp, where it was reported that nine lives were lost.

Responding, the Regent of Ademekun in Akure North Local Government, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, recounted the chilling events.

She said, “Immediately I was informed, I quickly called the attention of all security agencies and the government. I want to thank the government for their immediate response and the impact we felt.”

One of the survivors, a 35-year-old farmer, Samson Joro from Taraba State, who was born on the farmland, expressed despair over the attack.

“My family and I have nowhere else to go. We really don’t know what happened that day or why they attacked us,” he said.

Recalling the horrific night, he continued, “At about midnight, we heard gunshots. At first, they were distant, but soon they came closer. Before we realised what was happening, they were here. I heard my neighbour and his wife screaming.

“It was the herdsmen. By the time they left, we counted nine bodies, including a man and his child,” he lamented.

While the state government has deployed security forces to the affected communities, residents continue to demand justice and protection.

The massacre has reignited concerns over farmer-herder conflicts, with calls for stricter security measures to prevent further bloodshed.

During his visit, His Excellency toured villages including Ala, Dada, Igbodudu, Powerline, Agbo, Oyinbo, Eyin Ala, Aboro, Sunday Camp, Fatai Camp, Allison, Gbere Awo, Gbuwe, and Igbon Moon, all in Akure North Local Government Area.

On his return, the governor drove through villages such as Ago Ajanaku, Igbatoro, Familugba, Ute, Argentina, Imoru, and Ifon within Ose and Owo Local Government Areas to reassure inhabitants of their safety and security.

Operatives of the FCT Police Command have neutralized a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias Dogo Saleh, who had been terrorizing residents, following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes.

“The killing of the notorious kidnapper, whose gang mostly operates along the Kaduna – Lokoja – Enugu highway and within the FCT, is a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation,” the police said.

The Command said: “On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes.

“After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.

“Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hit man for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State.

“He had terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.

“During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included: one AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings

“Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago), two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira and the officer was later killed.

At Kike Village, one year ago, he was involved in the kidnap of a security officer’s wife, and collected millions of Naira ransom.

“Involved in kidnap of three individuals, 5 months ago at Bagada Village (five months where millions of naira ransom were collected.

“Involved in kidnapping of two men at a village near Kaduna Refinery one year ago, and collected millions of naira ransom, as well as the kidnapping one victim, a year ago at Karuga Village, Chikun LGA, Kaduna, collected millions of Naira ransom

“Involved in kidnapping of persons at Bagado Village, Chikun LGA eleven months ago and collected millions of naira ransom, kidnappings at Dan-Bushiya Village two years ago and collected: millions of nairavas ransom.

“Furthermore, he was involved in kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA. The officer and her children remain in captivity.

“Involved in attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna recently, on January 5, 2025, during which two security personnel were killed and their firearms stolen.”

The Police added that “Salisu Mohammed and his gang were actively involved in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja – Enugu highway.

“Led by his gang leader, Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, they recently kidnapped a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.

Other members of the gang so far neutralized, according to the Police, are Boka, the overall commander, his deputy, Sharmi, his assistant, Dogo Isa, another assistant, Gudan, who all operated a sub-camp each for detention of victims in the forest.

Continuing, the Police said: “The gang is loyal to Dogo Gide and collaborates with the Ansaru terrorist group for arms and ammunition supply.

“On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 pm, leveraging intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang.

“The suspect led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.

“Upon arrival, the Police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free the suspect. The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience.

“The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds.

“The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.

He assured residents that operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the region.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the ban on the public parade of criminal suspects by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

This follows an earlier directive by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), prohibiting the practice.

The PUNCH had exclusively reported that the AGF had ordered the police to desist from parading suspects.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed the police chief’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and aligning with global best practices in policing.

“IGP Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated the ban on the public parade of suspects by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. This commitment by the IGP aims to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen and adhere to global best practices in policing by reiterating the standing directive prohibiting the public parade of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in a court of law,” Adejobi stated.

He noted that the directive had previously been communicated to all police commands and zones as part of the force’s modernization efforts and dedication to respecting the rights of all individuals, including criminal suspects.

According to Adejobi, the policy aligns with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection of human dignity throughout the judicial process.

Adejobi also called on the media and the public to support the directive by ensuring responsible reporting and ethical journalism.

He said, “This directive, previously communicated to all commands and zones within the Police Force, is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernization efforts and reflects its dedication to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity.

” The IGP emphasized that this policy is aligned with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection and preservation of the dignity and rights of individuals throughout the judicial process.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to operating within the bounds of the law and promoting a culture of respect for human rights among its personnel. The IGP seeks the understanding and cooperation of the public, particularly members of the media, in adhering to this directive. Responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.”

The Punch