Ondo; Youths protest gunmen attacks, barricade highway
Protesters from Ayede Ogbese community, in Akure north LGA of Ondo state, have blocked the popular Akure-Owo-Benin highway over incessant killings and abductions in their community.
The youths took over the highway on Tuesday morning, following the murder of a young man identified as Ben Daniels, on Monday night.
There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and abductions in Ondo in recent times.
Daniels was reportedly attacked while on a motorcycle with one James Unekwu along Agunla Farm Road. Unekwu was said to have escaped, while the deceased’s body was found along the road.
On February 18, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, in Akure north LGA.
Days later, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted a couple in the Ilu-Abo community of the same local government.
During the ongoing protest, youths barricaded the highway passing through their community, while carrying placards with inscriptions that read: ‘Stop the killing of innocent souls’, ‘justice must be served’, and ‘We are tired of dying in silence’.
The protesters accused the state government of neglecting their community while alleging that security operatives had failed to curb criminal activities in Akure north LGA.
AIYEDATIWA DIRECTS SECURITY OPERATIVES TO INTENSIFY OPERATIONS
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has asked security agencies to intensify operations against killings and kidnappings in the state.
Aiyedatiwa said recent investigations show that some of the crimes are executed in collaboration with local residents.
In a statement signed by Idowu Ajanaku, the commissioner for information and orientation, the Ondo governor said his administration has strengthened the security apparatus of the state.
“The government has directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities,” the statement reads.
“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state.”
POLICE REACT
Jimoh Abayomi, Ondo police spokesperson, confirmed the attack that led to the death of Daniels along Agunla farm road.
Abayomi said Unekwu is currently in protective custody amid ongoing investigations.
The Ondo police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and not engage in activities that would disrupt public peace.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, Ben Daniels (male), and one James Unekwu (male), were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen,” Abayomi said.
“James Unekwu reportedly escaped, while the victim was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“The escaped victim is currently in police protective custody as investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace.
