The Supare-Ayegunle abduction of a nursing mother and her baby has revived security fears in Ondo’s Akoko area, prompting calls for urgent action.
Residents of Akoko South West Local Government Area in Ondo State have been thrown into renewed anxiety following the reported abduction of a nursing mother and her infant by suspected armed bandits along the Supare–Ayegunle road.
The disturbing incident has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity on rural highways across the northern axis of the state.
According to eyewitness accounts, the woman and her baby were travelling to a local market when they were intercepted by armed men believed to be bandits.
The attackers reportedly struck without warning, forcing other road users to flee for safety as panic spread along the busy route.
The suddenness of the operation left commuters helpless and underscored the vulnerability of travellers on the road.
Although the identity of the abducted woman has not been officially disclosed, a close relative of the family later confirmed that the incident indeed occurred.
The source revealed that the Supare-Ayegunle abduction has plunged the family into deep distress, particularly the woman’s husband, a well-known furniture maker based in Akungba-Akoko.
The relative explained that since the incident, the husband has been making frantic appeals to security agencies, community leaders, and relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
He is said to be devastated by the ordeal, fearing for the safety and wellbeing of his wife and newborn child.
The Supare-Ayegunle abduction has also reignited wider concerns among residents of Akoko communities, many of whom depend on the road for daily economic activities.
Traders, farmers, and transport operators have expressed fear that criminal elements are increasingly targeting isolated routes where security presence is minimal.
Community members lamented that the Supare–Ayegunle axis has, in recent times, become notorious for criminal activities ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping.
They warned that without urgent intervention, rural dwellers would remain exposed to violent attacks, further disrupting livelihoods and social life.
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Police Command said it was still gathering details surrounding the reported incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, stated that the information available at the time of inquiry was not sufficient for official confirmation.
“The information at my disposal is still very sketchy, and I cannot confirm the incident yet. Once we have clearer and verified details, we will make them available,” Abayomi said.
Despite the police response, the confirmation by family members has reinforced public belief that the Supare-Ayegunle abduction is real, intensifying pressure on security agencies to act swiftly.
Residents are urging the police, the military, and local vigilante groups to collaborate in tracking the perpetrators and rescuing the victims unharmed.
Security analysts note that kidnappings along rural roads have become a troubling trend in parts of Ondo State, particularly in forested areas that offer cover for criminal gangs.
They argue that improved intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and the establishment of security checkpoints could help deter such attacks.
For residents of Akoko South West, the Supare-Ayegunle abduction is not just an isolated crime but a reflection of a broader security challenge.
Many have called on the state government to invest more in rural policing, deploy modern surveillance tools, and strengthen community-based security initiatives.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, condemning the abduction and stressing that the targeting of women and children represents a disturbing escalation in criminal behaviour.
They urged authorities to prioritise the rescue operation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
As anxiety continues to spread, commercial activities along the route have reportedly slowed, with some commuters opting for longer alternative roads perceived to be safer.
This shift, residents say, could further strain local economies already grappling with rising costs and uncertainty.
Ultimately, the Supare-Ayegunle abduction has become a rallying point for calls for decisive action against insecurity in Ondo State.
Residents insist that beyond promises and statements, visible security presence and sustained enforcement are urgently needed to restore confidence and protect lives.
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