Protests Erupt In Akure Over Abduction Of 9 Surveyors

Akure Residents Demand Action Amid Rising Kidnappings

Residents of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, have taken to the streets in protest following the reported abduction of nine surveyors in Owode Ilu-Abo, a community in the Akure South local government area. The protesters, predominantly women, blocked the popular Oba Adesida road while carrying placards demanding urgent action from authorities.

According to reports, the abducted surveyors, all from Akure, were conducting fieldwork in Owode Ilu-Abo when they were seized by unknown gunmen. A relative of one of the victims, Comfort Afolabi, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million before increasing their demand to ₦100 million.

Political Crisis Deepens In NNPP As Kano Governor’s Aide Clashes With Federal Lawmaker

Escalating Kidnappings Spark Fear in Ondo State

The rising wave of kidnappings in Ondo State has heightened fears among residents. Just last week, a farmer and his manager were abducted in the Oba Ile area while returning from their farm. These incidents have left many questioning the security situation in the state.

Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, admitted that the Police Command lacks the necessary resources to effectively combat the growing menace of kidnappings and other criminal activities. His statement has further fueled public frustration, with protesters demanding urgent government intervention to secure the release of the abducted surveyors.

Violent Protests Erupt in Benue Over Killings by Suspected Herders

Meanwhile, in Benue State, tensions boiled over on Tuesday as angry youths set fire to the palace of Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and parts of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat. The unrest followed the killing of three operatives of the Benue Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herders in Garuwa, a local community.

According to reports, emotions ran high when the bodies of the slain officers were brought to Naka, leading to widespread protests. The situation quickly escalated into acts of destruction, with hoodlums allegedly hijacking the demonstration to wreak havoc.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, confirmed the attack, stating, “Yes, they burned down the secretariat and the Ter Naka palace. Three protection guards were killed in Garuwa, and when their bodies were brought to Naka, the protests turned violent.”

Efforts to obtain a response from the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as her phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.

Growing Insecurity Calls for Immediate Government Action

With rising cases of kidnappings in Ondo and violent attacks in Benue, citizens are calling on security agencies and government authorities to take immediate action. Many believe that without urgent intervention, the worsening security situation may further deteriorate, endangering more lives and properties.

As protests continue in Akure and tensions remain high in Benue, Nigerians are hoping for swift measures to address the security challenges plaguing the country.