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‎The Akoko North West Youth Forum (ANWYF) has called for the immediate and safe release of the Ondo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) boss, Hon. Aladesuyi Kayode, popularly known as JOTINA, and two other citizens who were kidnapped on Monday, March 9, 2026, in Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area.
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‎In a statement, signed by the group president, Secretary and Public Relation Officer, Ademoye Kayode, Olarewaju Oluseyi, and Ojo Simon, respectively, the youth group expressed grave concern over the incident, describing the abduction as a “serious threat to community peace and security” and highlighting the growing wave of kidnappings affecting several communities across Ondo State.
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‎The group condemned the criminal act in the strongest terms, emphasizing that kidnapping endangers lives, disrupts communities, and must not be tolerated. “The abduction of Hon. Aladesuyi Kayode and other innocent citizens is unacceptable,” the statement read.
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‎ANWYF urged the Ondo State Government and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to intensify search and rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the victims. They also called for stronger security presence in vulnerable communities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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‎The youth group stressed the importance of coordinated efforts, improved intelligence gathering, and collaboration between law enforcement and local communities to address rising insecurity. “Protecting lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of government and security institutions,” the statement added.
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‎ANWYF expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted individuals and reassured them that the group is monitoring developments closely. They expressed hope that the victims would be safely reunited with their families as soon as possible.
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‎The Forum also advised residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, warning against the spread of unverified information that could cause panic or hinder rescue efforts.
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‎The statement reads "The Akoko North West Youth Forum expresses grave concern over the recent kidnapping incident reported in Ilu Abo, located within Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
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‎"The abduction of Hon. Aladesuyi Kayode, popularly known as JOTINA, a devoted father and respected leader within our local government, alongside other innocent citizens, has heightened anxiety among residents and further highlights the growing insecurity affecting several communities across the state.
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‎"The Forum strongly condemns this criminal act and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted individuals. Kidnapping remains a grave threat to the peace, safety, and stability of our communities, and such acts must not be allowed to gain ground in our society.
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‎"We urge the Ondo State Government and relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement bodies, to intensify search and rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons. Security presence across vulnerable communities must also be strengthened to prevent further occurrences.
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‎"The people of Ondo State deserve to live without fear. Protecting lives and property must remain the foremost responsibility of government and security institutions. We therefore call for coordinated efforts, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address this growing security challenge.
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‎"The Akoko North West Youth Forum stands in solidarity with the families of Hon. Aladesuyi Kayode and other victims during this difficult time. We remain hopeful that they will be safely released and reunited with their loved ones as soon as possible.
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‎"ANWYF also calls on citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies while efforts continue to secure the freedom of the abducted individuals."
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‎This incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Ondo State, where kidnappings and other criminal activities have increasingly affected both urban and semi-urban communities.
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‎The State Police Command has confirmed that tactical teams and detectives have been deployed to locate the perpetrators, with intensified patrols in the affected areas. Authorities assured the public that all available operational and intelligence resources are being mobilized to secure the victims’ release.
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‎Residents of Ilu Abo and neighboring communities have been urged to assist security operatives by providing credible and actionable information. Schools in the area temporarily closed as parents rushed to ensure the safety of their children, reflecting the heightened fear generated by the kidnapping.
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