Governor Aiyedatiwa has sought to calm residents' fears by separating the reality of recent criminal activity from the broader definition of terrorism.
During a live chat, he addressed the state of Ondo State security, emphasizing that while crime exists, the state is not currently battling systemic terrorist insurgency.
The Governor used the 2022 Owo church tragedy as a benchmark, noting that unlike that incident, recent criminal acts involve distinct motives, such as ransom demands.
Addressing the issue of kidnappers, Aiyedatiwa assured residents that the government is not passive. He detailed how security forces are actively trailing criminal gangs to secure the release of abducted victims.
When questioned about recent killings, the Governor insisted these events are localized and do not represent the widespread, indiscriminate destruction typically associated with bandits.
The Governor emphasized that while the state is free from the specific horrors of the Owo massacre, security remains a top priority, and agencies are constantly engaging with these criminal elements to maintain order.
