The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Ondo State, urging authorities to act swiftly to stem the tide of kidnappings and violent crimes.
His reaction comes in the wake of the abduction of three individuals at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Oke Ijebu area of Akure, in the early hours of Saturday.
The victims were said to have been dispossessed of their valuables before being taken away by the assailants.
Reports indicated that they were later dumped in a bush along the Ondo-Akure Expressway after funds were withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Operatives of the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps, eventually rescued the victims from the location.
Arogundade spoke on the development during a Palm Sunday service held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Akure, the state capital.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of security challenges, insisting that more proactive measures were required from both state and federal governments.
“I am not convinced that enough is being done. What we are witnessing in Akure raises serious concerns about the commitment of those in charge,” he said.
The bishop warned that criminal elements appeared to be establishing a presence in key parts of the city without resistance.
“When unfamiliar groups begin to occupy strategic areas unchecked, it becomes a matter of time before violence escalates,” he stated.
He also faulted attempts to downplay the severity of insecurity, stressing that the situation should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
According to him, beyond spiritual efforts, government must take full responsibility for safeguarding citizens and restoring public confidence.
