Youths, residents stage protest over killings, abductions in Ondo

Youths and residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday staged a protest over the increasing cases of abduction and killings in their area.

The protesters, who carried tree branches, blocked the busy Shoprite junction located a few metres from the Governor’s Office, drawing attention to what they described as persistent attacks on their communities.

They lamented that “the brutal attacks have continued to plunge the communities into mourning,” as fear and tension grow among residents.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the protest followed a tragic incident on Thursday in Igushin community, where gunmen killed a poultry farmer and her daughter. Police were, however, able to rescue two other victims during the attack.

Also on Friday, gunmen attacked the Ilado community, where they macheted and shot a popular youth while he was trying to escape from being abducted.

Speaking with newsmen, a youth leader, who identified himself as Kunle, said gunmen had been operating unchecked across the state, especially within Akure and its environs.

“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. 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.

The youth leader said that residents would not relent until the government took concrete action to secure the lives and properties of residents. (NAN)

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