Tragedy has struck the Akoko area of Ondo State, where two commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as Okada riders, were brutally murdered by suspected armed robbers. The grim incidents, which have sent shockwaves through the local communities, took place in the northern part of the state and have raised serious concerns about security in the region.
In the first case, 28-year-old Dada Jatto, an Okada rider from Arigidi Akoko in the Akoko North West Local Government Area, was reported missing by his family after failing to return home. For three agonizing days, his whereabouts were unknown, sparking worry and fear among his loved ones.
The community’s worst fears were confirmed when Jatto’s mutilated corpse was discovered near Arigidi, along the Okeagbe Road. The gruesome nature of the discovery has left many in the area deeply shaken. His motorcycle, which could have provided crucial leads, remains missing, raising suspicions that it was the motive behind the killing.
The second incident, equally horrifying, occurred between Ikare and Arigidi Akoko, another part of the troubled region. Here, another Okada rider fell victim to the ruthless robbers, who reportedly lured him to a secluded spot.
The assailants viciously smashed his head and fled with his motorcycle, leaving him grievously injured. Local residents, who stumbled upon the scene, rushed the bleeding rider to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life.
Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries, adding another casualty to the spate of violent crimes plaguing the area. In a turn of events that has puzzled many, the deceased’s motorcycle was later recovered in Akunu Akoko, a boundary town with Kogi State, suggesting that the criminals might be operating across state lines.
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed these distressing events. Speaking to news correspondents via telephone, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, acknowledged the incidents and assured the public that the police have launched a full investigation.
According to her, efforts are already underway to track down those responsible for these heinous acts. She expressed the police’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that such incidents do not repeat themselves.
The killings have cast a pall over the Akoko area, with residents now living in fear of further attacks. The once-peaceful communities are now grappling with the reality that they are not immune to the rising tide of violence that has gripped many parts of the country.
For the families of the victims, the pain of losing their loved ones in such a brutal manner is compounded by the knowledge that the criminals are still at large.
These incidents have also highlighted the urgent need for improved security measures in the region. Local leaders and residents alike are calling for greater police presence and more proactive efforts to combat crime, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas. There is a growing sense that without significant intervention, the situation could deteriorate further, putting more lives at risk.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to mourn the loss of two of their own. The deaths of Dada Jatto and the unnamed Okada rider serve as a grim reminder of the dangers that ordinary citizens face in their daily lives. The hope now is that justice will be served swiftly and that the authorities will take decisive steps to restore peace and security to the Akoko area and beyond.
