Tension in Ondo as youths protest killings, abductions

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Residents of Ayede Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday staged a protest over rising insecurity in their community.

The demonstration followed the killing of a businessman, Okudili Okoro, and the abduction of a shop owner, Mrs. Orogun, by gunmen on Friday.

Aggrieved youths mounted barricades on the Ayede Ogbese highway, expressing anger over repeated kidnappings and killings in the area.

One of the youth leaders, who identified herself as Justina, said the people had been neglected, blaming insecurity on the poor state of roads and inadequate security presence.

“We don’t have security in Ayede Ogbese anymore. The youths are the ones now providing security. This is sad and very shameful. Just yesterday, one of us was killed, and another woman was abducted,” she lamented.

She accused security personnel posted to the area of not doing enough, urging government to urgently address both the bad road and incessant kidnappings.

The protesters vowed not to relent until authorities take decisive action to restore safety in the community.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who addressed the demonstrators, assured that those behind the crimes would be apprehended.