Protesters barricade highway in Ondo over gunmen attacks

Protesters from Ayede Ogbese community, in Akure north LGAof Ondo state, have blocked the popular Akure-Owo-Benin highway over incessantkillings and abductions in their community. The youths took over the highway on Tuesday morning,following the murder of a young man identified as Ben Daniels, on Monday night. There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and abductions inOndo in recent times. Daniels was reportedly attacked while on a motorcycle withone James Unekwu along Agunla Farm Road. Unekwu was said to have escaped, whilethe deceased’s body was found along the road.On February 18, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, thetraditional ruler of Agamo community, in Akure north LGA. Days later, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted acouple in the Ilu-Abo community of the same local government. During the ongoing protest, youths barricaded the highwaypassing through their community, while carrying placards with inscriptions thatread: ‘Stop the killing of innocent souls’, ‘justice must be served’, and ‘Weare tired of dying in silence’. The protesters accused the state government of neglectingtheir community while alleging that security operatives had failed to curbcriminal activities in Akure north LGA. AIYEDATIWA DIRECTS SECURITY OPERATIVES TO INTENSIFYOPERATIONS Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has asked securityagencies to intensify operations against killings and kidnappings in the state. Aiyedatiwa said recent investigations show that some of thecrimes are executed in collaboration with local residents. In a statement signed by Idowu Ajanaku, the commissioner forinformation and orientation, the Ondo governor said his administration hasstrengthened the security apparatus of the state. “The government has directed all security agencies in thestate to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals orgroups involved in these nefarious activities,” the statement reads. “The protection of lives and property remains the foremostpriority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will beallowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state.” POLICE REACT Jimoh Abayomi, Ondo police spokesperson, confirmed theattack that led to the death of Daniels along Agunla farm road. Abayomi said Unekwu is currently in protective custody amidongoing investigations. The Ondo police spokesperson urged residents to remain calmand not engage in activities that would disrupt public peace. “Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, BenDaniels (male), and one James Unekwu (male), were riding a motorcycle to a campwhen they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen,” Abayomi said. “James Unekwu reportedly escaped, while the victim wasmurdered and his body dumped along the roadside. “The escaped victim is currently in police protectivecustody as investigations continue. “The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain fromblocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace.”

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