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Tag: ONDO

  • Teenager dies in Ondo fire after being locked inside building

    Teenager dies in Ondo fire after being locked inside building

    A teenager, identified only as Testimony, tragically lost her life after being locked inside a building that was later engulfed in flames in the Samakinwa area of Ondo town, Ondo State.

    Reports indicated that the victim’s guardian had locked her inside the building before leaving for church. 

    The fire, which, according to witnesses, started around 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2025, was believed to have been caused by an electrical surge.

    Read Also: Imo Police arrest lawyer for fatally shooting teenager

    Despite the efforts of sympathisers to extinguish the flames, the entire building was razed. 

    Authorities were alerted, and CSP Victor Olowolagba, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Yaba Division, led a team to the scene for investigation.

    As part of the investigation, four individuals have been invited for questioning.

  • Why visually impaired students, alumni protested against Ondo school principal

    Why visually impaired students, alumni protested against Ondo school principal

    Fresh details have emerged on the reasons behind the recent protest by students and alumni of the Ondo State school of the visually impaired, who are demanding the removal of the school’s principal, Mrs. Morolayo Oluseun Agbele.

    The protesters are advocating for a visually impaired individual to be appointed as the head of the institution, arguing that such leadership would better understand and represent their unique needs.

    In addition to calling for a change in leadership, the students are also demanding the reinstatement of six of their colleagues who were expelled over alleged unruly behavior.

    Last week, the blind students staged a peaceful protest at the Governor’s Office in Akure, calling for a probe into the school’s finances. 

    They alleged that both their welfare and academic environment have deteriorated since Mrs. Agbele assumed office in December 2024.

    They said, “We now have stale and inadequate food. There is lack of essential educational materials like braille paper and writing frames, which are crucial for our learning.

    “Visits from Ministry officials have offered empty assurances, followed by no tangible action.

    “We have witnessed deeply troubling incidents, such as the abrupt cessation of meals for secondary students before their official vacation, a deviation from established norms.

    “The Headmistress attributes these issues to the alleged non-payment of feeding grants since August 2024 and claims the running grant is insufficient due to rising costs.

    “We are visually impaired students who rely heavily on specific learning tools. The cessation of the provision of braille paper, A4 paper, and writing frames is crippling our ability to learn.

    “Furthermore, we are forced to pay exorbitant miscellaneous fees for items like cutlasses, hoes, and brooms – items seemingly unnecessary for individual students in a government-funded school.

    “The lack of upkeep in our school compound, despite these payments, has turned our environment into a dangerous obstacle course for the visually impaired.

    Read Also: NANS commends Ondo Police Commissioner over protest

    “We are denied access to donated resources, with claims that these are also meant for staff and Ministry officials.

    “The quality and timing of our meals have been unilaterally changed, falsely attributed to the Ministry.”

    Mrs. Agbele declined comments and directed our reporter to senior government officials but an official of the school said the six students were expelled for beating up officials of the school.

    The official who pleaded anonymity said the students wanted to continue taking some meals that have become expensive to provide.

    Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Adegoke Abimbola, said the issues were being addressed.

  • Ondo youths, AG differ on alleged cyber bullying

    Ondo youths, AG differ on alleged cyber bullying

    • Protesters demand commissioner’s sack

    Youths of Ondo State, including leaders of Students Union Government from tertiary institutions, yesterday defied warning of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, to  protest and demand the sack of the state Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.

    The protesters also demanded release of three youth leaders of Akoko who were remanded to prison custody for allegedly cyberbullying Ajulo.

    Those remanded were President, Akoko Youth Forum (AYF), Blessing Akeju, General Secretary, Adeniran Adesunloye and Miss Yaya Bisola.

     Afolabi had earlier warned the AYF against embarking on protest.

    The commissioner said the security situation in the state remained sensitive and required continued vigilance and cooperation to be fully consolidated.

    He said a protest or public gathering posed a significant risk of being hijacked by criminal elements, which could reverse the progress made and disrupt public peace.

    “The Command will, therefore, not tolerate any protest or activity capable of jeopardising the hard-won stability. We urge any group or individuals wishing to express political opinions or grievances to adopt lawful and constructive channels such as dialogue and engagement with the appropriate authorities.”

    Read Also: Cyber bullying law and urgent need for enforcement

    Security was beefed up around Akure but the youth defied the police warning and stormed the Oda Road roundabout with placards.

    The protesters, who barricaded the roads leading to the roundabout, chanted solidarity songs, brought cooking utensils to the venue.

    Coordinator of the Ondo State Youth Network, Adegboyega Afe, said the charges of threat to life and cyberbullying preferred against Akeju and others were frivolous.

    Afe lamented that Ajulo who was an activist now turned to oppressing his own people.

    According to him, “Leaders of Akoko youths that had issues with Ajulo were remanded to Olokuta Prison. We followed the process; it was very unlawful. They were not aware they were being charged in court. They were slammed with a four-count charge and remanded to Olokuta Correctional Centre. We are out against this oppressor.

  • Three headless bodies found in Ondo river

    Three headless bodies found in Ondo river

    Operatives of the State Police Command Ondo have recovered three headless bodies floating in a river on the Odigbo-Ore Road.

    Sources said the bodies were already decomposing.

    An eyewitness who gave his name as Shileola said the bodies were discovered on Sunday.

    He stated that no body was declared missing in the communities in the area.

     Shileola noted that the victims might have been killed and their bodies dumped in the river,.

    “I was shocked when I first heard about it over the phone. I rushed to the scene, hoping to identify the victims through their clothing or any other means, but all efforts proved abortive,” he said.

    Read Also: NANS issues 72-hour ultimatum to Ondo Govt over detained students

    Ondo Police spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, said the bodies had been moved to the mortuary.

    “I can confirm to you that some three bodies were recovered at the river in Odigbo. Immediately it was reported at the Ore Division, the DPO of that division moved a detective to the scene where the three bodies were recovered.

    “However, the DPO upon recovering the bodies, ordered that they be taken to the morgue.

    “The DPO summoned the community leaders and interest groups to ensure the identification of the body. He directed that anybody that has information to go there and check. But ever since then we have not received any. Nobody has been able to identify any of the bodies.

    “And it is believed that those bodies were brought there and dumped at that site by some unknown men. So we believe that that did not actually happen in those days.

     “The area it happened bordered a lot of states, both Ogun and Edo states. So, we believe the body is not from these states. However, it was dumped in that river. But, perhaps, the river swept it both times.”

  • Farmers protest in Ondo over killing of four colleagues by suspected herders

    Farmers protest in Ondo over killing of four colleagues by suspected herders

    Angry farmers stormed the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday to protest the killing of four farmers by gunmen believed to be herders.

    The bodies of the victims were dumped on streets near the Governor’s office by the protesters in a show of sadness. 

    The farmers were reportedly killed early Tuesday morning at the Thirteen-Thirteen farming settlement in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan, Akure North Local Government Area.

    In the past three months, more than 17 farmers have been killed in the area. 

    Last month, five farmers were murdered at the ‘Aba Oyinbo’ farm settlement.

    The protest caused major traffic disruptions, with protesters blocking the roundabout leading to Oda road and the Governor’s office, leaving many motorists stranded.

    Olu Taiwo Samuel, Head of Adeshina Community, expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, stating that the community had grown tired of the daily killings and attacks on farmers by herders.

    Taiwo said, “Three farmers were killed in the Thirteen Thirteen camp in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan in Akure North Local Council. They were on their way to the farm this morning (Tuesday) when the Fulani herdsmen attacked them and shot them. One person was also killed two days ago.

    “We purposely brought their bodies to Alagbaka for everyone to see what we are facing and to prevent any form of denial, which we have experienced in the past.

    “The killing of our people by these herdsmen is becoming too much. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa promised us that the place will be fully secured after the last incident. With this latest development, the government must allow us to secure ourselves.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Suspected gunmen kill Ondo hotelier

    “It is disheartening that the government will continue to allow these killings to be going on. What we are certain about is that if we should defend ourselves and kill the attackers, we will be arrested and taken to Abuja.

     “During the late former governor’s administration, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, this kind of thing was not rampant, but with the current governor, everything has gone awry. We are tired of these continuous killings; we can no longer sleep in our communities.

    “Mr Governor should help us and stop these killings. People that are being killed are humans, not goats. More than 20 farmers have been killed in the past month.”

    Ondo Police spokesman, Alayande Olayinka, said tactical teams have been deployed to the area to restore normalcy and ensure the perpetrators were arrested.

  • JUST IN: Suspected gunmen kill Ondo hotelier

    JUST IN: Suspected gunmen kill Ondo hotelier

    The Chief Executive Officer of Klass Five Hotel, Adesoji Johnson Adeleye, has been assassinated.

    Adeleye was killed in the early hours of Tuesday at his residence in the Arakale area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    A close friend of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that they were together on Monday night. 

    Read Also: Gunmen kill three fisher traders in Benue community

    According to him, Adeleye was brutally stabbed multiple times by his attackers.

    Ondo police spokesman, Alexander Olayinka, who confirmed the killing, said the case has been ordered transferred to state police headquarters for discreet investigation.

  • Take it Back Movement: Ondo Police warn against protest

    Take it Back Movement: Ondo Police warn against protest

    The Police Command in Ondo State has warned residents to shun the planned ‘Take it Back Movement’ protest scheduled to hold on Monday in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Akure by DSP Ayanlade Olushola, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

    Olushola, who said that the command acknowledged the constitutional rights of all citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, said the warning was due to the credible intelligence received regarding a planned protest.

    According to him, it is imperative to note that the timing of the planned protest is highly inopportuned, given the prevailing security challenges.

    “The effort of the command is to stabilise the security situation across the state, and we are concerned that such a gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

    “This could lead to a breakdown of law and order, thus rolling back the security gains we have collectively achieved in Ondo State.

    “We, therefore, urge the leadership of the ‘Take It Back Movement’, their supporters, and other interest groups to embrace constructive dialogue as a means of addressing grievances.

    “If they take to the streets in such a manner, it may heighten tensions and heat up the polity,” he said.

    Olushola explained that the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, had directed all area commanders, tactical team commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPO’s) to intensify the deployment of personnel.

    Read Also: NANS meets Ondo Police Commissioner over attack on students

    The PPRO said Afolabi also directed the deployment of operational assets to all identified public spaces and critical infrastructure to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

    According to him, the command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its unwavering commitment to safeguard their fundamental rights and freedom.

    He, therefore, called on parents and guardians to dissuade their wards from engaging in acts that could disrupt the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

    “The general public is hereby encouraged to go about their lawful business without fear, as adequate security measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety and protection of all citizens.

    “Also, the command urges residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any other security agency nearest to them,” he said. (NAN)

  • Ondo APC leaders deny working for opposition parties

    Ondo APC leaders deny working for opposition parties

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko Northwest West local government area have denied working for opposition political parties in the state.

    The leaders said they were being threatened to abolish the Independence Consultative Council and renounce their membership of the association.

    They said the ICC was formed as an independent campaign group across all the 18 local governments to ensure victory of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in last year’s governorship election.

    Coordinator of ICC, ward 3, Okeagbe, Akoko North West, Olumide Victor Aliu, who spoke at a briefing in Akure, said it was unimaginable that a section of APC members in Akoko North West begun stigmatising his members and labelled them oppositions leaders.

    Olumide stated that several meetings of the ICC were disrupted and the leaders maligned and assaulted.

    Read Also: Ondo APC chieftain seeks peace in Akoko North West Council 

    According to him: “All these draconian, primitive and barbaric actions on the ICC members are not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated henceforth. 

    “Groups gathering together peacefully for good governance as enshrined in Nigeria constitution under the charter of freedom of association. Any individual against such peaceful gathering is indirectly against the Nigerian constitution.  

    ICC is not directed or targeted against any individual or group. 

    “We will not tolerate any intimidation of our members henceforth for exercising their constitutional rights. 

    We therefore call on Governor Aiyedatiwa for protection for ICC members in Ward 3.”

  • Man sets brother’s N20m farm ablaze in Ondo

    Man sets brother’s N20m farm ablaze in Ondo

    A farmer in Ondo State, Oyinlola Jacob, has been arrested for setting his brother’s N20m farm ablaze.

    Oyinlola, 56, was subsequently arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court.

    He reportedly committed the offence on January 29, 2025, at Odebei Farm, Ipogun, in Ondo State.

    The farm owned by Ilemobayo Jacob had cocoa, palm, plantain and Kolanut trees.

    Oyinlola was arraigned on a one count charge of arson but he pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

    Police prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, said three witnesses would testify in the case but sought the court time to review the case file and prepare for trial

    Defence counsel, O.A. Adanlawo, did not oppose the prosecution’s request but begged the court to grant his client bail on lenient terms.

    Read Also: Ondo contingent  first to land n Uyo for Niger Delta Sports Festival

    He assured the court that his client would not jump bail.

    Presiding Magistrate, Olusola Olujobi, granted the defendant ibail in the sum of ₦10m with two sureties in like sum but the defendant was unable to meet the bail conditions.

    He was subsequently remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre.

    The case was adjourned to July 29, 2025 for further hearing.

  • Ondo witnessing unprecedented federal presence under Tinubu – Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo witnessing unprecedented federal presence under Tinubu – Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that the State witnessed unprecedented federal presence under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Aiyedatiwa, in his birthday message to Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, said the President has supported development of the state 

    The Ondo Governor said the Renewed Hope administration ensured infrastructural projects across the State.

    According to him: “I write to congratulate an icon, a worthy example in excellence, courage and passion; a dogged fighter and leader of leaders, His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the auspicious occasion of his 73rd birthday.

    “Dear Mr. President, your life has been a testament of what only God and determination could do. The Nigerian political scene remains incomplete without a worthy mention of your unconditional contributions even before democracy returned in 1999. 

    “In and out of government, you resisted the temptation of flirtatious political entanglement and remained true to progressive ideas and ideals even when it wasn’t fashionable. We see in you a leader with so much patience, always ready to allow others grow while waiting for no compensation.

    “As our leader, I am in awe of your uncanny ability to take bold decisions in the overall interest of the people while bearing the consequences that may come thereafter without caving in to pressures. Of bold steps to engender development in every part of the country, you have demonstrated courage in the face of hopelessness. 

    “As the father of the nation, we appreciate the blessedness of your wisdom in quelling a political inferno while entrenching political stability in our State when we direly needed one.

    “Importantly, we recognize your developmental support geared towards making Ondo State great in all ramifications. Chiefly, the dualisation of Ore-Ondo-Akure road, establishment of Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, construction of Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway, giving us an aviation institution and several political appointments for sons and daughters of Ondo State bear testimonies to the unprecedented inclusivity that the State has enjoyed since 1999.

    “On behalf of the people and Government of Ondo State, I wish Mr. President renewed vigour, strength, courage and good health to lead Nigeria to the realm of desired progress and bliss.”