LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Tension rose in Akure North Local Government Area on Saturday as residents blocked a major junction to demand urgent action over deadly attacks sweeping through their communities in Ondo State.
The youths and residents from Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado came out in numbers and staged a protest at a busy Shoprite intersection, close to the Governor’s Office, over the killings and abductions that plaques the state. They gathered carrying tree branches and blocked traffic flow to draw attention to what they described as ongoing violence in their communities.
Collectively, the demonstrators said the repeated attacks have left families grieving and fearful.
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Recent incidents have heightened concern as earlier in the week, gunmen reportedly killed a poultry farmer and her daughter in Igushin, while two others were rescued by police. In another attack the following day, a young man in Ilado was shot and cut with machetes while trying to escape abduction.
Meanwhile, a community youth leader identified as Kunle spoke on behalf of the protesters, blaming authorities for failing to curb the violence.
“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,” he said.
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He said residents have yet to see any real benefit from the monthly security votes. According to him, much of their time is spent burying victims and trying to stay safe, while the attackers continue to move freely. He called on security agencies and leaders to rise to their responsibility to serve and protect the people.
“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.
Reflecting deep frustration over insecurity, residents insist the protest will continue until meaningful steps are taken to restore safety.
(NAN)
