Protesters block Ondo highway over kidnappings

Residents of Ayede Ogbese community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday blocked the busy Akure-Owo-Benin highway to protest rising killings and abductions in the area. The demonstration followed the murder of a young man, Ben Daniels, on Monday night. Daniels was reportedly attacked while riding a motorcycle with James Unekwu […]

Residents of Ayede Ogbese community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday blocked the busy Akure-Owo-Benin highway to protest rising killings and abductions in the area.

The demonstration followed the murder of a young man, Ben Daniels, on Monday night.

Daniels was reportedly attacked while riding a motorcycle with James Unekwu along Agunla Farm Road. Unekwu escaped, but Daniels’ body was later found by the roadside.

Ondo State has witnessed a surge in insecurity in recent months, including kidnappings and violent attacks.

On February 18, gunmen killed the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North LGA, Kehinde Jacob Faledon. Days later, suspected kidnappers abducted a couple in Ilu-Abo community within the same council area.

During Tuesday’s protest, youths barricaded the highway, disrupting traffic. They accused the state government of neglect and alleged that security agencies had failed to contain criminal activities in the locality.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed security agencies to intensify operations against kidnappers and killers.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor said investigations indicate some crimes involve collaboration with local residents and assured that security measures have been strengthened.

The Ondo State Police Command, through spokesperson Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the attack that led to Daniels’ death.