The Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OOCDA) has condemned the recent bandit attack on the town that claimed the lives of about 15 vigilantes and a village head, while five others were abducted.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin, the National President of OOCDA, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, described the incident as “dastardly” and called for urgent and intensified security interventions from government authorities.
The statement, issued on his behalf by the National Publicity Secretary of the Association, Mr. Kunle Akogun, conveyed condolences to the families of the slain vigilantes, the Bale of Ogba-Ayo, and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured, as well as the safe return of those kidnapped.
Ajala-Bello acknowledged that the attack had created fear and unease in the community but urged residents to remain calm as efforts were being made to curb the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the Oke-Ode axis.
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He further advised residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements promptly, and avoid complacency regarding the activities of strangers within the area.
Appealing to both the Kwara State and Federal Governments, Ajala-Bello stressed the need for proactive strategies to prevent a recurrence of such violence. He also called on security agencies to collaborate more effectively in order to restore peace and safety to the region