Gunmen Attack Ese-Odo In Ondo, Burn 14 Houses

In Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, gunmen who are suspected to be terrorising waterways have allegedly razed 14 houses during the night in Asere, a riverine community.

According to report, the gunmen attacked the community for tipping off security agents about their activities and movements.

Women in the Asere community have protested the attack and called for the gunmen to be arrested.

They said the attackers were members of the community who were well known, they said they attacked the community because the Joint Task Force clamped down on them.

They named the suspects as Kutu Mone aka MK, July Mone, Best Oniwei, Iyemiyelawei Mone, Matthew Suku Polobubou, Dedewei Mone and Bado Ogbudugbudu.

They also stated that the gang members have been operating in the area feely until security agents started the clampdown on them.

A woman identified as Faith said the gang leader, Kutu Mone who is hails from Asere community attacked the community because he felt his people were giving information about the gang to the security agents.

According to her, “We saw fire burst out of our houses. We didn’t know what was happening. We all ran into the bush all through the night till security men came to our rescue”.

Oba Zachueus Doubra, the paramount ruler of Agadagba Kingdom said he got the report that one of his subjects, ‘a recalcitrant boy’ invaded the community to burn it down.

“I sent my chiefs and some police officers to the community and I was informed that 14 houses were burnt down, nine other houses vandalised. Many were rendered homeless. Many ran into the bush in pants, some in knickers”.

“I want to appeal to all the three tiers of government and all relevant agencies to come to the aid of the victims by way of relief materials,” he said”.

Mr Tee-Leo Okoro, the spokesperson of the State Police Command said, “We want to assure the people of the area that police are on top of the situation. The people should go back to their normal businesses”.

“Our men have taken over the area and with no time, MK and his gang would be arrested and be prosecuted as well”.