Residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado communities in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State protested on Saturday the wave of abductions and killings in the area.
The demonstrators, who held branches and barricaded ShopRite Junction a few meters from the Governor’s Office, claimed that “the brutal attacks have continued to plunge the communities into mourning.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, gunmen killed a poultry farmer and her daughter on Thursday, while police rescued two others in the Igushin village.
Also on Friday, gunmen attacked the Ilado village, hacking and shooting a youth who was attempting to flee from being kidnapped.
Speaking to reporters, a youth leader identified as Kunle said gunmen had been operating unfettered throughout the state, particularly in Akure and its environs.
“We are protesting due to the incessant killings and kidnappings day in and day out at Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado.
“A mother and daughter were killed two days ago, and another guy was brutally macheted yesterday.
“We want government to rise up to its duties. We have not seen the impact of the monthly security votes in the state.
“We are tired of burying our people every week while those paid to protect us do nothing. These gunmen move freely in the state capital, and yet our leaders remain silent.
“Where exactly is the security vote going? We see no presence of security, no patrols, no results,” he said.
The youth leader stated that residents would not relent until the government takes proactive measures to secure the lives and property of residents.
