Ondo Residents Take to Streets Over Escalating Killings, Question Security Funding

Residents from the Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have initiated protests following a recent escalation in violent incidents that have claimed at least two lives and left several individuals wounded.

The demonstrators converged in large numbers, obstructing traffic at the Shoprite intersection near the Governor’s Office. They expressed their profound frustration over what they termed persistent violence plaguing their areas, leading to a significant disruption of usual activities.

Tensions flared on Thursday when unidentified assailants reportedly attacked Igushin, attempting a kidnapping that resulted in the deaths of a poultry farm owner and her daughter. In a subsequent event less than a day later, armed individuals targeted Ilado, abducting a young man who was allegedly injured while attempting to flee.

A youth leader, identified as Kunle, addressed the gathered crowd, denouncing the ongoing criminal activities observed across the Akure region, including vicinities adjacent to the state capital. He also raised concerns about how the state’s security budget is being utilized, pointing out that despite financial allocations, there has been no discernible enhancement in public safety.

“We are protesting the continuous killings and abductions. We are exhausted from mourning our people weekly while those charged with ensuring our safety seem powerless,” he stated.

Kunle further highlighted the apparent absence of a robust security presence, noting that armed perpetrators continue their activities without effective intervention from the relevant authorities.

The protesting residents issued a clear warning: demonstrations will persist until tangible actions are taken to reinstate security and safeguard the lives and properties of the citizens.

Today’s protest is symptomatic of a broader trend of public discontent observed across Ondo State in recent months, fueled by a continuous string of kidnappings and fatal attacks in numerous communities.

By Fidelis David