Youths Protest Surge in Kidnappings, Block Major Highway in Ondo State

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Youths Protest Surge in Kidnappings, Block Major Highway in Ondo State

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The escalating wave of insecurity in Ondo State boiled over on Friday as angry youths in Ayede Ogbese, Akure North Local Council Area, took to the streets in a heated protest, barricading the busy Benin–Akure–Ilesa highway to express their frustration over the recent surge in kidnappings and killings in the state.

The demonstration, which paralysed traffic for several hours, left hundreds of travellers stranded, with long queues of vehicles stretching for kilometres along the highway. Many commuters lamented the unexpected delay, while others expressed sympathy for the plight of the community, which has become a hotspot for violent crimes.

Youths Demand Action After Fresh Killing and Abduction

The immediate trigger for the protest was the gruesome killing of a 34-year-old man, identified as Mr Okudili Okoro, who was shot dead on Thursday evening by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. The assailants, who stormed the community in a coordinated attack, also abducted a popular provision seller, Mrs Orogun, whisking her away to an undisclosed location.

The brazen attack, which occurred in the heart of the community, has reignited fears among residents, many of whom say the area has been under siege from kidnappers for months. According to eyewitnesses, the criminals operated freely without resistance, fuelling anger that led the youths to shut down the highway in protest.

A visibly distraught resident, Justine, told reporters that the deteriorating security situation was a direct consequence of government neglect and the poor state of infrastructure in the area.

“The kidnappings here have become unbearable. Our roads are bad, making it easy for criminals to hide and attack travellers. The governor has abandoned us, and security agents are not doing enough. Even the checkpoints you see here are useless because the kidnappers strike without challenge,” she lamented.

She added that residents are now forced to take their own safety into their hands, organising community patrols in the absence of reliable protection from security agencies.

Growing Fear and Loss of Confidence in Security Agencies

Many protesters voiced concerns that the security architecture in Ondo State has failed to rise to the challenge, despite repeated attacks in Ogbese and its environs. Residents claim that kidnappers now operate with increasing confidence, targeting traders, farmers, and travellers along the Benin–Akure highway.

A youth leader, who preferred not to be named, accused the authorities of paying lip service to security.

“Our people are dying every week, and businesses are collapsing. The checkpoints mounted here don’t stop anything. They only cause unnecessary delays for us, while kidnappers keep attacking. We are tired of empty promises. We demand action now,” he declared.

The community, once a bustling hub for trade and farming, is now gripped by fear, with many locals reluctant to move freely after dusk. The atmosphere of insecurity has worsened economic hardship in the town, as traders complain that customers are avoiding the area.

Police Intervention and Official Response

In response to the tense situation, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police visited the protest ground to address the irate youths. While appealing for calm, he assured residents that the command was intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators of the recent attack and to rescue the abducted woman.

“We understand the pain and anger of the people. I want to assure you that we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that those behind this evil act are apprehended and brought to justice. The victim will be rescued,” he said.

The Commissioner further urged the youths to suspend the blockade of the highway, stressing that it could hinder security operations and affect innocent travellers.

Wider Implications for Security in Ondo State

The Ogbese protest underscores the growing frustration across communities in Ondo State and beyond, where rural and semi-urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to violent crimes. Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most pressing security challenges in Nigeria, with residents often accusing government and security agencies of complacency.

Analysts note that the failure to maintain roads and provide adequate security infrastructure has created conditions favourable for criminal gangs. In the case of Ogbese, protesters insist that fixing the Benin–Akure–Ilesa highway and deploying better-trained security operatives could help reduce attacks.

Call for Urgent Government Intervention

The youths vowed to continue mounting pressure until concrete steps are taken to address their concerns. They warned that if the government fails to act swiftly, they would intensify their protests, signalling that the current action may just be the beginning of a prolonged agitation.

For now, calm has returned to the highway after several hours of gridlock, but residents remain fearful as the abducted woman’s fate hangs in the balance. The people of Ayede Ogbese are demanding not just promises, but real solutions that will guarantee their safety and restore peace to their community.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

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