Residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North LGA of Ondo state took
to the streets on Monday, blocking a major highway in protest against rising
insecurity and frequent abductions in the area.
The peaceful demonstration, which halted vehicular movement
on the Airport-Owo expressway for hours, was triggered by a Sunday night attack
where gunmen reportedly kidnapped a woman and injured three others with
gunfire.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the assailants ambushed the
victim at her home’s entrance, firing shots that damaged her vehicle’s fuel
tank and tyres before dragging her away.
They said that two neighbours who tried to intervene were
shot, adding that one was in the head and another in the stomach, leading to an
urgent rush to a nearby hospital.
Abayomi Jimoh, police public relations officer in Ondo,
confirmed the incident occurred around 8 pm on Liberty avenue, Ilu-Abo.
“Preliminary information revealed that about six armed men,
whose identities are yet unknown, ambushed and opened fire on one John Ofuduwa
while he was driving into his residence,” Jimoh said.
He said that during the attack, a neighbour named Oladeinde
Tomilola was abducted, while Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, Victoria
Olorunfemi, sustained injuries from the gunfire.
“All the injured victims were promptly rushed to the
hospital for medical attention,” the PPRO added.
Frustrated by what they called unchecked criminal activities
and insufficient security, youths, women, and community leaders barricaded the
road with logs, stones, and other items, singing solidarity songs and calling
for immediate action.
“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. Kidnappers
are now operating freely in our community. We want the government to act
immediately before more lives are lost,” a protester said.
The demonstrators urged the Ondo state government and
security agencies to set up a permanent military checkpoint in Ilu-Abo, arguing
that visible patrols are essential to curb crime and rebuild trust.
Meanwhile, the blockade left commuters, drivers, and
travellers stranded, disrupting traffic on the route connecting Akure to Owo
and beyond.
In response, Adebowale Lawal, Ondo commissioner of police,
visited the site to evaluate the situation and dialogue with locals.
Lawal described the attack as “a senseless act of violence”
and promised enhanced security measures.
“Existing security frameworks have been strengthened with
additional tactical and intelligence-driven deployments to ensure the swift
arrest of the perpetrators and to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The CP also met with Olu Falae, the Oluabo of Iluabo, who
condemned the incident and committed the traditional council’s support to law
enforcement.
The monarch said community vigilantes would be activated to
assist police, urging residents to stay alert and share reliable tips with
authorities.
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