“We Are Not Safe”: Residents Barricade Akure–Owo Road, Demand Governor’s Intervention
In defiance show of solidarity, residents of Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area on Tuesday staged a protest by barricading the busy Akure–Owo Expressway over persistent cases of kidnapping and killings in the area.
The protesters, made up largely of youths and other community members, blocked the highway for several hours, bringing vehicular movement to a halt and leaving commuters stranded along the road.
According to residents, the demonstration was triggered by what they described as worsening insecurity in the community, which they said has claimed several lives and forced many farmers to abandon their farms.
“This is the third time we are blocking this road because nobody is listening to us,” one protester said.
“Kidnappers are attacking our people, and we are no longer safe in our own community.”
Tension heightened during the protest after the remains of a deceased person were reportedly discovered in a nearby bush, further fueling anger among residents who blamed the incident on the growing wave of insecurity in the area.
The demonstrators insisted they would not reopen the road until the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, visits the community to address their concerns.
In a dramatic development, some protesters reportedly began cooking along the highway, vowing to remain at the protest ground until their demands are met.
The blockade forced many commuters and motorists traveling between Akure and Owo to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances to reach their destinations.
Residents say the protest underscores growing frustration in rural communities across the state, where incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks have continued to raise concerns about safety and security.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the protest, while residents maintained their demand for urgent government intervention to restore peace and security in the area.
