Protest as one dies in bandits’ attack on Ondo farmers
Vehicular activities were paralysed on the Akure-Owo Expressway yesterday when angry residents trooped the road to protest the incessant kidnappings and killings by armed men. The protestors stormed the highway
Vehicular activities were paralysed on the Akure-Owo Expressway yesterday when angry residents trooped the road to protest the incessant kidnappings and killings by armed men.
The protestors stormed the highway and barricaded the road with logs, causing a standstill as motorists and commuters were stranded for hours.
They carried placards bearing various inscriptions as they expressed their frustration, demanding urgent action to resolve the escalating security challenges.
The protest came after suspected bandits attacked two farmers, Ben Daniels and James Unekwu, on the Agunla Farm Road at Ayede-Ogbese in the Akure North Local Government.
One of the farmers, Daniels, was killed by the bandits.
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The state Police Command in a statement by its spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident, explaining that the case was reported at 9:30 p.m. on Monday by a citizen.
Abayomi said preliminary investigations show that the victims were riding a motorcycle to the farm when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
He explained that Unekwu escaped from the assailants, while Daniels was murdered and his body dumped on the roadside.
“Unekwu is in police protective custody as tensions rise over a possible conspiracy, while investigations continue.
“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace, as such actions infringe on the rights of other road users,” Abayomi said.
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One of the protesters, Adesoji Oyedele, complained that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of being attacked.
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He also explained that the situation had worsened the economic hardship in the community which largely depends on agriculture for survival.
“At this very spot last year, they came and killed a man. Yesterday again, they came and killed another person. How do you expect us to keep quiet? How long are we going to continue like this?” he said.
Oyedele said the latest victim, a farmer, was attacked while working on his farm on the outskirts of Ayede Ogbese.
The protesters, however, called on the state government and the security agencies to deploy military personnel to establish a permanent checkpoint in Ogbese to deter further attacks.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has given a marching order to security agencies to launch a “crackdown” on suspected kidnappers terrorising residents across parts of the state.
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In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor expressed concern over the rising cases of abduction in the state.
The governor noted that investigations conducted by the security agencies have unraveled that some of the crimes were being orchestrated with the involvement of local collaborators.
“The government has consequently directed security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities.
“Security operatives have been mandated to ensure that those found culpable are apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he said.
He called on traditional rulers to heighten vigilance within their domains and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security operatives, describing community-based intelligence as critical to combating crime.
