Youths in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Saturday took to the streets to protest rising cases of kidnapping and killings in the community.
The demonstration came barely 24 hours after suspected gunmen shot dead a businessman, Okudili Okoro, and abducted a shop owner, Mrs. Orogun.
The protesters blocked the Ayede Ogbese highway, decrying the insecurity in the area and accusing security operatives of negligence.
The blockade caused hours of gridlock as motorists were forced to divert through bush paths to reach their destinations.
One of the youth leaders, who identified herself as Justina, said residents had been left vulnerable due to poor road conditions and ineffective security presence.
“We don’t have security in Ayede Ogbese anymore.
The youths are now the ones providing security for themselves. This is sad and shameful,” she said. “Even with checkpoints mounted in this area, kidnappers still operate freely.
The government must fix our bad roads and address these incessant abductions.”
The protesters alleged that security personnel stationed in the community were failing to carry out their duties, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
Responding to the situation, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, met with the youths and assured them that the perpetrators of the attacks would be arrested.
He also pledged that the abducted woman would be rescued unharmed.