Protesters from Ayede Ogbese community, in Akure north LGA of Ondo state, have blocked the popular Akure-Owo-Benin highway over incessant killings and abductions in their community.
The youths took over the highway on Tuesday morning,
following the murder of a young man identified as Ben Daniels, on Monday night.
There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and abductions in
Ondo in recent times.
Daniels was reportedly attacked while on a motorcycle with
one James Unekwu along Agunla Farm Road. Unekwu was said to have escaped, while
the deceased’s body was found along the road.
On February 18, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the
traditional ruler of Agamo community, in Akure north LGA.
Days later, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted a
couple in the Ilu-Abo community of the same local government.
During the ongoing protest, youths barricaded the highway
passing through their community, while carrying placards with inscriptions that
read: ‘Stop the killing of innocent souls’, ‘justice must be served’, and ‘We
are tired of dying in silence’.
The protesters accused the state government of neglecting
their community while alleging that security operatives had failed to curb
criminal activities in Akure north LGA.
AIYEDATIWA DIRECTS SECURITY OPERATIVES TO INTENSIFY
OPERATIONS
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has asked security
agencies to intensify operations against killings and kidnappings in the state.
Aiyedatiwa said recent investigations show that some of the
crimes are executed in collaboration with local residents.
In a statement signed by Idowu Ajanaku, the commissioner for
information and orientation, the Ondo governor said his administration has
strengthened the security apparatus of the state.
“The government has directed all security agencies in the
state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or
groups involved in these nefarious activities,” the statement reads.
“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost
priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be
allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state.”
POLICE REACT
Jimoh Abayomi, Ondo police spokesperson, confirmed the
attack that led to the death of Daniels along Agunla farm road.
Abayomi said Unekwu is currently in protective custody amid
ongoing investigations.
The Ondo police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm
and not engage in activities that would disrupt public peace.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, Ben
Daniels (male), and one James Unekwu (male), were riding a motorcycle to a camp
when they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen,” Abayomi said.
“James Unekwu reportedly escaped, while the victim was
murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“The escaped victim is currently in police protective
custody as investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from
blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace.”
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