Residents of Ore, a commercial centre in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, are growing increasingly concerned about the rising crime rate, particularly armed robbery and kidnapping, which is driving businesses to close down.
In an open letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, stakeholders have voiced frustration over the slow progress of a kidnapping and robbery case currently pending in the Ore High Court.
The letter highlights the dire situation in Ore, where numerous filling station owners have been forced to sell their businesses and flee the town to escape further threats. The writers of the letter have urged the Attorney General to expedite the hearings of this case, as well as other related matters, to prevent further harm to the community’s economy and safety.
The letter reads, “We, the concerned stakeholders of Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local, are hereby seeking true justice over the case of kidnaping of innocent persons particularly wealthy people within Ore community. Due to constant kidnapping, many filling station owners, the like of K. K Komos, Farbas, Adebless, have sold their properties and left Ore to save their lives.
“Many victims have not recuperated from the emotional trauma kidnappers, robbers and rapists have caused them till date. We don’t want further calamity to befall us in Ore community.”
It continued, “Despite the arrest and arraignment of a suspect at the Ore High court sitting in Ondo, the case has been constantly adjourned, without any hearing on the matter in court, we are tired of going to court on every adjournment date without any action taken. We are calling on the State Government, through the Attorney General of the state to wade in and ensure justice prevailed on the matter, because we are no longer safe in Ore community.”
The residents express concern that delayed justice is exacerbating the already precarious situation, undermining trust, and further stalling investments in the region.
The letter calls for swift and decisive action from the state government, emphasising that the community no longer feels safe.
