•Protest
Scores of angry youths today blocked the Ayede Ogbese road in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State to protest the rising cases of kidnapping in the community.
The protest came less than 24 hours after suspected armed men killed a 34-year-old man, Okudili Okoro, and abducted a businesswoman, identified simply as Mrs. Orogun, in the area, reports The Nation.
The protesters said kidnappings had become rampant, leaving residents unsafe and their properties unprotected.
The roadblock caused a gridlock that stranded travellers, including drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, for several hours.
Speaking during the protest, a youth identified as Justine accused the government of neglecting the community, linking the worsening insecurity to the poor state of the roads.
She also criticised security agents manning checkpoints in the area, alleging that they were not doing enough to curb the menace.
“We don’t have security in Ayede Ogbese anymore. The youths are now the ones providing protection. This is sad and very shameful.
“Even with all the checkpoints, we are still experiencing abductions. The government should tell us what they are doing about the bad roads and these kidnappings,” she said.
The protesters called on authorities to take urgent action to fix the roads and strengthen security before the situation worsens further.
Addressing the youths, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal assured the protesters of the command action at ensuring those responsible for the kidnapping are arrested.
Lawal, however, promised to collaborate with other security agencies in the state in tackling the security challenges in the community.
“I want to assure you that we will arrest the perpetrators and even bring them to book soon,” he said.
