- No cause for alarm – Police
By John Dike, Osogbo
Bandits are rumoured to have infiltrated Akure, sparking off panic among residents of the Ondo State capital.
In fact, a viral audio recorded message in Yoruba, alerting church members, and other residents that armed bandits have entered Akure, warning residents to take precaution, is circulating around the state capital.
The story is the same in Akure communities like Ayee, along Oda Road, and Imafon State, following rumours that suspected bandits may be planning to launch an attack on the areas.
Alarmed by the development, residents have appealed to security agencies to urgently step up surveillance and patrols to avert any possible invasion.
Sources within the communities disclosed that tension began to rise last week after reports circulated in Imafon and neighbouring areas alleging that suspected bandits had sent a letter threatening a possible attack.
The rumour has since heightened anxiety among residents, many of whom now remain on high alert, particularly at night.
A community leader, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said the development had triggered widespread apprehension among residents.
According to the source, the situation became more worrisome after some individuals suspected to be hoodlums were reportedly seen riding motorcycles around the Imafon axis of the town and heading towards Oda Road, especially the Ayee community.
“We heard that some hoodlums operating on motorcycles were seen around the Imafon axis of the town moving towards Oda Road, especially the Ayee community. Many residents are worried because of the growing insecurity being experienced in different parts of the state,” the source said.
Residents also expressed concern that incidents involving suspected criminals and cases of kidnapping across the state, particularly within Akure metropolis, have continued to fuel anxiety among the populace.
A dependable source noted that despite efforts being made by the Amotekun Corps to combat criminal activities in the state, some criminal elements still appear to be operating in certain areas, thereby deepening the sense of fear among residents who now go about their daily activities with apprehension.
A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the police were aware of the rumoured plan by suspected bandits to invade Imafon and surrounding communities.
The officer, however, assured residents that security agencies had already taken proactive steps to prevent any attack.
He explained that a tactical squad had been deployed to the affected areas to intensify surveillance and strengthen intelligence gathering.
The officer also urged communities to reinforce their local vigilante groups to support the efforts of the police, stressing that ensuring security remains a collective responsibility.
It would be recalled that several houses in Ayee community, including the residence of a senior journalist, were recently burgled, with valuables and other items carted away.
Residents disclosed that the incident was among several security breaches recorded in the area within the last one month.
Observers maintained that whether the rumoured bandits’ attack eventually proves to be true or not, security agencies must intensify both daytime and night patrols in vulnerable communities and remote areas to prevent criminal elements from taking residents and security operatives unawares.
Meanwhile, the state police command has assured that there is no cause for alarm, and that efforts are on to provide adequate security statewide round the clock.
It also assured of its readiness “to protect the lives and property of the good people and residents of Ondo State”
In a statement by the command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, a deputy superintendent, the command announced the arrest of 99 suspects involved in various criminal activities across the state on 8th February, 2026.
According to the statement, “The operation was carried out through a joint security effort involving the Ondo State Police Command, the 32 Brigade Artillery of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps.
“The intelligence-led raid operation targeted identified criminal hideouts, black spots, and flashpoints across several parts of the state known for criminal activities. The coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 99 suspects linked to offences such as armed robbery, burglary, theft, cultism, and other related crimes.
“During the operation, several items suspected to have been used for criminal activities as well as suspected stolen properties and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from the suspects. The arrested individuals are currently undergoing screening and profiling, while those found culpable will be charged to court accordingly.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, commended the professionalism, synergy, and commitment displayed by all participating security agencies during the operation, noting that such collaboration remains crucial in the fight against crime and criminality within the state.
“The CP further reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and joint security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and maintaining law and order across Ondo State.
“He once again warned criminal elements to desist from engaging in unlawful activities within the state, stressing that Ondo State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals, as security agencies will continue to intensify operations to identify, track, and decisively deal with offenders regardless of where they operate or attempt to hide.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely, credible and actionable information, as community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the prevailing peace and security in the state.
“The Ondo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring that all perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.”
