BREAKING: Protest erupts in Ondo over fresh killing, kidnap near Akure airport

By Boye Oyeyemi

Some major communities in the Akure area of Ondo State capital were thrown into chaos on Tuesday as residents protested the killing of a man and the abduction of three others by suspected gunmen near the Akure Airport axis.

The aggrieved residents blocked the Akure–Owo Airport Road at Ilu-Abo community, barricading the highway and disrupting vehicular movement with logs, tyres, and other objects.

The unfortunate incident came less than 24 hours after the reported abduction of a local government official around the same area.

According to residents, the latest attack occurred late Monday night when armed men stormed the Ilu-Abo area, fired gunshots, and abducted three people.

One of the victims reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and later died from losing too much blood, while the kidnappers escaped with the other three to an unknown location.

In anger, protesters carried the corpse of the victim to the highway while chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent government intervention.

A protester told Western Post that kidnapping had become frequent around the airport road and neighbouring communities, adding that community dwellers are tired of the entire situation and are ready to pursue the case until it is solved.

Despite efforts by the Ondo state police command to persuade the protesters to reopen the road, the residents insisted they would not leave until stronger security measures were put in place. Reacting to their decision, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, eventually visited the monarch of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and assured the entire community that additional policemen and tactical teams would be deployed to strengthen security in the area.