Angry youths and residents of Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday stormed the streets in protest over escalating killings and abductions in the area.
The protesters, wielding tree branches, barricaded the busy ShopRite Junction, a few metres from the Governor’s Office, effectively disrupting movement while demanding urgent government intervention.
They accused authorities of failing to halt what they described as a sustained campaign of violence that has left communities in grief and fear.
“The brutal attacks have continued to plunge our communities into mourning,” one of the protesters said.
The demonstration followed a string of deadly incidents recorded within days.
On Thursday, gunmen reportedly invaded Igushin community, killing a poultry farmer and her daughter, while police rescued two other victims.
Less than 24 hours later, suspected attackers struck again in Ilado, where a youth was hacked and shot while attempting to escape abduction.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, a youth leader identified simply as Kunle said armed groups were operating freely across Akure and surrounding areas without resistance.
“We are protesting due to the incessant killings and kidnappings day in, day out at Imafon, Igushin and Ilado,” he said.
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“A mother and daughter were killed two days ago, and another young man 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.”
The protesters vowed to sustain the agitation until concrete steps are taken to restore security in the affected communities.
