Residents of Ore, a key commercial hub in Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State, are increasingly worried about the rising crime rate, especially armed robbery and kidnapping, which is forcing businesses to shut down.
In an open letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, local stakeholders expressed frustration over the slow progress of a kidnapping and robbery case currently pending in the Ore High Court. The letter paints a grim picture of Ore, where several filling station owners have been forced to sell their businesses and leave the town due to ongoing threats. The letter urges the Attorney General to speed up the hearings of this case and other similar cases to prevent further damage to the community’s economy and safety.
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The letter states, “We, the concerned stakeholders of Ore, are seeking justice in the case of kidnapping, especially of wealthy individuals within our community. Due to constant kidnappings, many filling station owners, including K.K Komos, Farbas, and Adebless, have sold their properties and fled to save their lives.”
It continues, “Many victims are still suffering from the emotional trauma caused by kidnappers, robbers, and rapists. We do not want further harm to befall our community.”
The letter also criticizes the repeated adjournments of the case at the Ore High Court, despite the arrest and arraignment of a suspect. The residents are frustrated with the lack of progress and action, urging the state government and Attorney General to intervene and ensure justice is served. They stress that their safety is no longer guaranteed in Ore, and delayed justice is worsening the situation, eroding trust, and discouraging investments in the area.
The letter concludes by calling for swift and decisive government action, emphasizing that the community no longer feels safe.
