Vehicular activities were paralysed on the ever-busy Akure-Owo expressway on Tuesday as scores of angry residents trooped the road to protest the incessant kidnappings and killings by armed men.
The protestors stormed the highway and barricaded the road with logs, causing a complete standstill as motorists and commuters were stranded for several hours.
They carried placards bearing different inscriptions as they expressed their frustration, demanding urgent action to resolve the escalating security challenges.
The protest came after suspected bandits attacked two farmers, Ben Daniels and James Unekwu along the Agunla Farm Road at Ayede-Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government of the state.
One of the farmers, Daniels was killed by the bandits.
The State Police Command in a release by its Spokesman, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident, explaining that the case was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday by a concerned citizen.
Abayomi said preliminary investigations reveal that the duo of Daniels and Unekwu were both riding a motorcycle to the farm when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
He explained that Unekwu reportedly escaped from the assailants, while Daniels was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“Unekwu is currently in police protective custody as tensions rise over a possible conspiracy, while investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace, as such actions infringe on the rights of other road users,” Abayomi said.
Disappointed with the development, the protesters lamented that bandits have allegedly been invading their farmlands and community, killing and abducting residents at will.
One of the protesters, Adesoji Oyedele complained that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being attacked.
He also explained that the situation had worsened the economic hardship in the community which largely depends on agriculture for survival.
“At this very spot last year, they came and killed a man. Yesterday again, they came and killed another person. How do you expect us to keep quiet? How long are we going to continue like this?” he said.
Oyedele revealed that the latest victim, a farmer, was attacked while working on his farm on the outskirts of Ayede Ogbese.
He added that his killing has thrown the entire community into mourning, with many accusing security agencies of failing to protect lives and property.
He said the expressway and surrounding forests had become hideouts for criminal elements who strike and retreat without being apprehended.
The protesters, however, called on the state government and the security agencies to immediately deploy military personnel to establish a permanent checkpoint in Ogbese to deter further attacks.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given a marching order to security agencies to launch an immediate and coordinated “crackdown” on suspected kidnappers terrorising residents across parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the governor expressed deep concern over the rising cases of abduction in the state.
The governor noted that investigations conducted by the security agencies have unraveled that some of the crimes were being orchestrated with the involvement of local collaborators.
He claimed his government was aware that certain “unscrupulous elements” are deliberately using criminal activities to portray the state as unsafe, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
“The government is aware that the unscrupulous elements want to use the criminal activities to portray Ondo State as unsafe. Such acts are unacceptable and will be met with firm and lawful action.
“The government has consequently directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities.
“Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
He called on traditional rulers to heighten vigilance within their domains and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security operatives, describing community-based intelligence as critical to combating crime.