Youths and residents of communities in Ondo State took to the streets on Saturday to protest a surge in killings and kidnappings, blocking a major road in Akure to demand urgent government action.
The demonstrators, drawn from Imafon, Igushin and Ilado in Akure North Local Government Area, barricaded the busy Shoprite intersection near the Governor’s Office, carrying tree branches and chanting against what they described as unchecked violence.
According to witnesses, the protest caused significant disruption in the area as residents expressed anger over repeated attacks that have left several families grieving.
The protest follows a series of violent incidents in the affected communities.
On Thursday, gunmen reportedly killed a poultry farmer and her daughter in Igushin, while two other victims were rescued by police. A day later, another attack in Ilado left a popular youth severely injured after he was macheted and shot while trying to escape abduction.
Residents say the frequency and brutality of the attacks have created a climate of fear across the area.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader who identified himself as Kunle said the communities could no longer endure the situation.
“We are protesting due to the incessant killings and kidnappings day in and day out at Imafon, Igushin and Ilado,” he said.
“A mother and daughter were killed two days ago, and another young man was brutally attacked yesterday. We are tired of burying our people every week.”
He accused authorities of failing to provide adequate security despite the allocation of funds for that purpose.
“We want government to rise up to its duties. We have not seen the impact of the monthly security votes in the state,” he added.
Protesters demanded increased security presence, including patrols and swift response to distress calls, insisting that gunmen appear to be operating freely even within areas close to the state capital.
They also questioned how security funds are being utilized, urging transparency and accountability from the government.
The protest reflects wider concerns about rising insecurity in parts of southwestern Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks have become more frequent in recent months.
Residents say they will continue demonstrations until concrete steps are taken to restore safety and protect lives and property in their communities.
As of the time of filing this report, state authorities had not issued an official response to the protest.
