TWO AGRARIAN communities in Ondo State have been gripped by protests this week as residents decry a worsening security crisis marked by escalating killings and abductions.
The protests, which began on Tuesday in Ilu-Abo, Akure North LGA, saw residents block the busy Akure/Owo highway. Youths carrying placards with inscriptions like “We Are Dying, Save Our Soul” and “We Cannot Go to Farms Again” alleged that a resident was killed by gunmen on his farm that same morning. The demonstration paralyzed traffic, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
The action in Ilu-Abo is the latest in a series of security breaches in the area. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the community has recently witnessed the kidnap of a woman and a couple, as well as the fatal shooting of a businessman. The situation escalated further on Monday when gunmen kidnapped Mr. Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of the Okeluju local council development area, and two others from a farm in Ilu-Abo.
The protests spread to Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East LGA on Tuesday, where residents – including women carrying leaves in a traditional symbol of distress – marched against what they described as unbearable insecurity.
Community leaders stated that the protest was triggered by the recent killing of a youth leader, allegedly after a ransom had been paid for his release, and another killing in the neighbouring community of Ipe-Akoko.
“We are tired of the kidnapping and killing of our people. Those in authority have failed to protect us,” said Mr. Umoru Kamoru, the Youth President of Akoko South-East, adding that economic activities in the farming community had been crippled by fear. “Our farmers, even the women, can no longer go to their farms without fear. Some of us cannot even sleep with both eyes closed.”
Security agencies have moved to address the unrest. In Ilu-Abo, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, personally addressed the protesters, appealing for calm and assuring them that additional police personnel and tactical units would be deployed to bolster security.
He also visited the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, to discuss the measures being taken.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched into the recent killings.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to the affected communities, alongside intensified patrols along the highway and surrounding settlements.
While appealing to residents to avoid blocking roads and disrupting public peace, DSP Jimoh assured the public of the police command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to decisively tackle the criminal elements threatening the safety of lives and property across Ondo State.
