Address Insecurity Or Tinubu Must Declare Emergency In Ondo – PDP To Aiyedatiwa

Alarmed by the worsening security situation in Ondo State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to shift focus from “frivolities” and take decisive action to protect lives and property.

The opposition party warned that if the state government fails to respond effectively, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should intervene by declaring a state of emergency to curb the wave of killings and abductions, particularly of farmers and innocent residents.

In a statement titled “Be Proactive to Your Duty”, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Leye Igbagbo, lamented the rising fear among citizens, many of whom are now scared to go about their daily activities due to the threat of violence.

“It is regrettable that residents engaging in lawful means of livelihood are being brutally murdered. We find it difficult to understand how these assailants operate so freely in a state where a functioning government is expected to ensure the security and welfare of its people,” the statement read.

Igbagbo cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates state authorities to protect lives and property, adding that recent events show a disturbing departure from that obligation.

According to the PDP, approximately 50 people have been killed in the past month across various communities in the state, with no reported arrests or prosecutions.

“This begs the question—does a government still exist in Ondo State? These unprovoked killings continue without any credible response, and it’s heartbreaking,” the party said.

The PDP accused the Aiyedatiwa administration of politicizing security while citizens suffer and expressed concern that the government may have been compromised.

“These killings are one too many. They point to a breakdown of order, helplessness, and possibly a gross failure by those in power to fulfill their most basic duty,” the statement added.

The party appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to recognize the growing insecurity in Ondo and the government’s inability to address it.

“Under the current dire circumstances, we are humbly calling on the President to consider declaring a state of emergency if the governor continues to show a lack of capacity to halt the bloodshed. We must act before Ondo and the entire Southwest become a slaughterhouse for innocent citizens.”