Residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday staged a protest over the persistent cases of abductions and killings in their areas.
The demonstrators, holding tree branches, blocked the ShopRite Junction located a short distance from the Governor’s Office, lamenting that “the brutal attacks have continued to plunge the communities into mourning.”
According to reports, gunmen on Thursday killed a poultry farmer and her daughter in Igushin community, while police managed to rescue two other victims.
In a separate incident on Friday, armed attackers stormed Ilado community, where they shot and macheted a young man who was attempting to flee from being kidnapped.
Addressing journalists, a youth leader who identified himself as Kunle said criminal elements had been operating freely across the state, particularly in Akure and surrounding areas.
“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.
“We want 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? We see no presence of security, no patrols, no results,” he said.
He added that residents would continue their protest until authorities take decisive steps to safeguard lives and property in the affected communities.
