NUJ raises alarm over rising kidnappings, political crisis in Ondo

—-Hails Aiyedatiwa over Amotekun, Owena press

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, has raised alarm over the spate of kidnapping in some parts of the state, particularly in Akure North Local Government Area and along the Uso-Owo axis.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress, held in Akure the Union described the security situation as worrisome, citing increasing incidents of commercialised kidnapping in affected areas.

In the meeting, presided by the state chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, the union called on both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts to curb the menace and ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

While expressing concern over insecurity, the Congress commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for recruiting additional officers into the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, noting that the move would strengthen the state’s security architecture.

The Union urged the government to sustain efforts at safeguarding lives and property across the state.

While applauding governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the conversion of Owena Press Limited from a private liability company to a corporation under the State Ministry of Information, the Union said the decision will automatically mainstream staff of the organisation into the State Civil Service.

It, however, called on the Ondo State House of Assembly to expedite passage of the execution bill, which has scaled second reading.

Similarly, the NUJ commended the state government for the recent recruitment of new staff into the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), but appealed for the speedy regularisation and absorption of contract staff whose appointments were not confirmed during the last recruitment exercise.

On economic matters, the Congress decried the frequent increase in transportation fares across the state despite the seeming stability in petroleum prices.

It called on the Ondo State Government, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to regulate the activities of commercial drivers to prevent undue hardship on commuters.

The Union also frowned at the arbitrary hike in the prices of building materials and house rents, particularly in Akure, and urged the state government to regulate the activities of house agents and dealers in building materials to ease the burden on residents.

On inter-state issues, the Congress appealed to the Federal Government and the National Boundary Commission to urgently intervene in the oil-rich Eba Island boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun states to prevent escalation and possible violence. It advised both states to exercise restraint and resolve the matter amicably through legal means.

The NUJ further condemned the crisis that erupted during the recent political congress in the state and urged politicians to exercise restraint ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

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