Tension gripped Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday as angry residents staged a protest and blocked the busy Akure–Owo highway over persistent cases of killings and kidnappings.
The demonstration was triggered by the alleged killing of a resident by suspected gunmen on his farm early Tuesday morning. The incident sparked outrage among members of the community, particularly youths, who took to the highway to express their frustration over the worsening security situation.
The protesters barricaded the road, bringing vehicular movement on the expressway to a standstill and leaving many motorists stranded for several hours.
During the protest, the demonstrators carried placards bearing messages that reflected their fears and frustrations. Some of the inscriptions read: “We Are Dying, Save Our Soul,” “Mr Governor, Please Assist Us,” “Our Children Are in Danger,” and “We Cannot Go to Farms Again.”
Speaking during the protest, one of the residents, Joseph Adee, said the security situation had made farming almost impossible for the people of the community.
According to him, many residents now live in fear and can no longer access their farms due to the activities of armed criminals.
“We will not leave here unless Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa comes to address us. We can no longer go to our farms because of insecurity,” he said.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, later arrived at the scene and appealed to the protesters to reopen the highway and allow free movement of vehicles. However, the protesters initially refused to heed the appeal, insisting that government authorities must urgently address the crisis.
Lawal assured the residents that security agencies were already taking steps to tackle the growing insecurity in the area.
He explained that the police, in collaboration with other security outfits including the Amotekun Corps, would intensify operations to safeguard lives and property.
The police commissioner also promised that additional police officers and tactical units would be deployed to the affected communities to strengthen security presence.
“We are fully aware of your grievances, and concerted efforts are ongoing to address the prevailing security challenges in the area. Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents,” he said.
Following the protest, the police commissioner also paid a visit to the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, where he briefed the monarch on the measures being taken by security agencies to restore peace and security in the community.
In recent weeks, Ilu-Abo has witnessed several criminal incidents. Gunmen reportedly kidnapped a woman and a couple in separate attacks, while a businessman was shot and later died from his injuries.
On Monday, Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area under Akoko North-West Local Government Area, was also kidnapped alongside two other individuals while working on a farm in Ilu-Abo.
Residents say the repeated attacks have created fear across the community and are calling on the government to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives and restore normalcy.
Highway in Protest Over Rising Killings and Kidnappings in Ondo Community
