1. **Kidnapping**: Ondo State has experienced a significant rise in kidnapping incidents, particularly along the highways and in rural areas. Criminals often target travelers and residents for ransom, causing fear and disruption to daily life and the economy.
2. **Armed Robbery**: There have been reports of armed robberies in various parts of the state, including banks, businesses, and residential areas. These incidents often involve the use of firearms and can lead to loss of life and property.
3. **Cultism**: The presence of cult groups in tertiary institutions and communities continues to pose a security threat. Ritualistic killings and violent clashes between rival groups have been documented.
4. **Cybercrime**: As in other parts of Nigeria, cybercrime is prevalent in Ondo State. Individuals and businesses fall victim to internet fraud, phishing scams, and identity theft.
5. **Land Disputes**: Disputes over land ownership and boundary issues often escalate into violent conflicts, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property. Some of these disputes have underlying ethnic and communal tensions.
6. **Human Trafficking**: Ondo State serves as both a source and a transit point for human trafficking. Victims are often lured with false promises of employment and education, only to be exploited in various forms, including forced labor and sexual slavery.
7. **Illegal Logging**: The state's rich forest reserves are under threat from illegal loggers who exploit the timber resources without regard for environmental laws and regulations.
8. **Farmers-Herders Clashes**: The persistent conflict between local farmers and Fulani herders has resulted in several cases of assault, damage to crops, and loss of livelihood.
9. **Drug Trafficking**: The state is also affected by the illicit trade of drugs, with some areas serving as transit points for the movement of narcotics.
10. **Electoral Malpractice**: During election periods, there have been incidences of vote buying, thuggery, and violent clashes between political parties, threatening the integrity of the democratic process.
11. **Chieftaincy Crises**: Disputes over traditional leadership roles can lead to unrest and violence in communities.
12. **Piracy and Sea Robbery**: The coastal regions of Ondo State are not immune to piracy and sea robbery, affecting maritime trade and fishing activities.
13. **Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons**: The availability of these weapons exacerbates the security situation, making it easier for criminals to carry out their activities.
14. **Corruption**: Corruption in various forms remains a challenge in the state, affecting public service delivery and the justice system.
15. **Fraudulent Activities**: This includes advance fee fraud, 419 scams, and other forms of financial crimes that are rampant and affect both local and international victims.
16. **Kidnapping for Ritual Purposes**: Some cases of kidnapping are linked to ritualistic practices, where individuals are abducted for use in traditional ceremonies or for human sacrifice.
17. **Sexual and Gender-Based Violence**: Cases of rape, assault, and other forms of gender-based violence are reported but often under-reported due to societal stigma and fear of reprisal.
18. **Vandalism of Critical Infrastructure**: There have been incidences of vandalism of oil pipelines, telecommunication masts, and power installations, leading to significant economic losses and disruptions in service delivery.
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The Ondo State government and security agencies are working to combat these unlawful activities through various strategies, including community policing, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with neighboring states and the Federal Government. However, the fight against crime requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents and businesses in the state.