Ondo schools shut after gunmen attack near Akure Airport

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Stock image.

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—Parents hurriedly withdraw children from schools

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—- We’ll track down perpetrators

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By Dayo Johnson Akure

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Suspected gunmen have again shot and abducted a council secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Akoko North West Council Area, Joseph Aladesuyi and two others, at a poultry farm along kajola road, Ilu-Abo, Akure North council area of Ondo State.

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The sporadic gunshots near the Akure Airport, threw the community into panic and led to the hurried closure of schools in the area.

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Vanguard gathered that the development led to anxious parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children as rumours of insecurity spread quickly across the communities.

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In an interview, a parent said they hurried to schools immediately after hearing the gunshots to withdrawtheir children.

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According to her “We heard gunshots around the airport area and people started calling that kidnappers were around. Parents became afraid and rushed to pick their children from school

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One of the locals said the attackers stormed the community at about 9:00 a.m., firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among farmers, workers and other residents in nearby communities.

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He said that Aladesuyi, who also serves as the Managing Director of Jotina Farms was said to be on his way to his farm with his daughter when they were ambushed by the gunmen who opened fire on them,

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“The gunmen who were about 10 in numbers opened fire on the businessman before whisking him away to an unknown destination, leaving residents in shock and confusion.

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“Aladesuyi tried to escape and struggled with the gunmen, sustaining a gunshot wound to his hand.

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” The MD arrived at his farm around 9:00am with his daughter. Shortly after, the kidnappers, who were about 10, arrived and shot sporadically into the air.

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“They dragged him, but he struggled with them, and one of the gunmen shot him in his hand and then took him away.

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“They (gunmen) left his daughter alone but told her point blank that they were kidnapping her father. We are anxiously waiting for their call because we don’t know what state he will be in at the moment after he was shot in his hand,”

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The condition of Aladetuyi remained unclear, while his daughter was said to have been left behind by the abductors.

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Subsequently, the ugly development has triggered panic and anxiety across the community, with many residents expressing concerns over safety in the area.

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His abductors have not opened a line of communication with his family members.

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Speaking to journalists, a community leader said the latest case highlights a worrying pattern. “This is no longer an isolated case. Every week, we hear about someone being abducted in our community. It feels like no one is in control, again in this state.

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“This is contrary to governor Aiyedatiwa’s claims that there is no security challenge in the state, we are living in fear and most people are moving out of this community over the fear of being abducted.

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“We can no longer accept promises. Kidnapping has become a recurring nightmare, and immediate action is needed,” said Chief Albert Adeyemi

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Meanwhile, reacting, state police command spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the abduction by the gunmen.

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Abayomi said that “three armed men, who were masked and suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm and abducted two persons identified as Joseph Kayode ‘M’ and Easter Akinlolu ‘F’.

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“The assailants reportedly fired sporadically into the air before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.

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According to him ” upon receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilized tactical teams and detectives to the affected area to commence search and rescue operations, as well as intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences.

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He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has directed that all available operational and intelligence resources be deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act.

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“Security operatives alongside non conventional security outfits are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators.

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“The Command understands the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has resulted in the temporary closure of schools.

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“However, members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.

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“Parents, guardians, and community leaders are encouraged to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could assist ongoing operations.

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Abayomi noted that ” the Ondo state police command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

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