Residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday took to the streets in large numbers to protest the escalating wave of bandit attacks, killings, and kidnappings in the area.
The protesters barricaded the busy Shoprite intersection, just a few metres from the Governor’s Office, expressing anger and frustration over the continued insecurity that has left at least two people dead and others injured in the past few days.
The protests were triggered by two recent violent incidents. On Thursday, suspected gunmen stormed Igushin community in an attempted kidnapping operation and shot dead a poultry farm owner and her daughter.
Less than 24 hours later, armed men attacked Ilado community, where they abducted a popular youth.
The victim was macheted and shot while trying to escape.A youth leader from the affected communities, who identified himself as Kunle, addressed the protesters, lamenting the unchecked activities of gunmen in the state capital and its environs.
“We are protesting due to the incessant killings and kidnappings day in and day out at Imafon, Igushin and Ilado. A mother and daughter were killed two days ago, and another guy was brutally macheted yesterday,” he said.
Kunle questioned the utilisation of the state’s security vote, saying its impact has not been felt by residents despite the rising insecurity.
“We want the government to rise up to its duties. We have not seen the impact of the monthly security votes in the state. We are tired of burying our people every week while those paid to protect us do nothing. These gunmen move freely in the state capital, and yet our leaders remain silent. Where exactly is the security vote going?” he queried.
The youth leader warned that residents would continue their demonstration until the government takes decisive and concrete steps to secure lives and property in the communities.
The Saturday protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations across Ondo State in recent weeks, as communities express growing frustration over frequent abductions and killings, including attacks on traditional rulers.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com