Residents Block Ondo Highway in Response to Kidnappings

On Tuesday, residents of Ayede Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State filled the busy Akure-Owo-Benin highway with protests against the increasing rate of killings and abductions in their area.

This demonstration was ignited by the recent killing of Ben Daniels, a young man, on Monday night.

Reports indicate that Daniels was assaulted while riding a motorcycle with his companion, James Unekwu, along Agunla Farm Road. While Unekwu escaped the attack, Daniels was later discovered lifeless by the roadside.

In recent months, Ondo State has experienced a notable uptick in insecurity, characterized by kidnappings and violent incidents.

Just last month, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional leader of the Agamo community within Akure North LGA. Shortly afterwards, a couple was abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Ilu-Abo area within the same locality.

During the protest on Tuesday, the youth formed a blockade on the highway, causing significant traffic disruptions. They accused the state government of neglecting their plight and criticized security forces for their inability to effectively manage rising criminal activities in their vicinity.

In response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa instructed security agencies to intensify their efforts against kidnappers and other criminals.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, indicated that investigations suggest some criminal actions may involve local residents and assured that security measures are being bolstered.

The Ondo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, verified the incident that led to the death of Daniels.