By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Residents of several communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have staged a major protest following a surge in violent attacks. 

The demonstrators gathered in large numbers to express their outrage over recent killings and the deteriorating safety of their neighborhoods.

The protesters targeted the busy Shoprite intersection near the Governor’s Office, effectively barricading the road and bringing local traffic to a complete standstill.

This location was chosen to ensure their grievances reached the state’s top leadership directly.

The unrest was triggered by two specific incidents within a 48-hour window, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries. In one attack, suspected bandits killed a poultry farm owner and her daughter during a failed kidnapping attempt in Igushin.

Further heightening the tension, gunmen struck again in Ilado shortly after the first incident, reportedly abducting a young man. These back-to-back attacks have left residents of Imafon, Igushin, and Ilado feeling increasingly vulnerable and unprotected.

Community leaders at the scene publicly criticized the lack of a visible security presence in the affected areas. They noted that armed attackers appear to operate freely, often without any immediate or effective response from law enforcement agencies.

A significant portion of the protest focused on the state’s financial management regarding public safety. Protesters openly questioned the utilization of the security vote, arguing that the allocated funds have not resulted in any tangible improvements in local security.

The demonstrators warned that they will continue their protests until the government takes decisive action to restore order. They are demanding an immediate increase in security patrols and a concrete plan to protect lives and property across the Akure axis.