By Kamsi Anayo
The Isua Akoko community in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday took to the streets to protest what they described as incessant kidnapping, killings and destruction of property in the community.
The protesters barricaded the federal highway passing through the town, leaving motorists stranded for hours. The road serves as a major national gateway linking the South-West region to the North and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Women were seen carrying leaves, while men and youths displayed placards bearing various inscriptions condemning the rising insecurity in the area.
Some of the youths who spoke during the protest accused the Chairman of Akoko South-East Local Government and the monarch of Isua of alleged insensitivity to the plight of residents.
“We are tired of the kidnapping and killing of our people. Those in authority have failed to protect us,” one of the protesters said.
Another youth alleged that armed herders had taken over farmlands in the area. “Our farmers can no longer access their farms freely. Herdsmen have occupied our lands, and nothing is being done about it,” he claimed.
The protesters also alleged that some members of the community were providing information to the criminals.
“It is painful that some people within Isua are allegedly giving these hoodlums information to strike. This has made the situation worse,” another resident said.
Women farmers lamented that they could no longer go to their farms without fear.
“We now leave our farms as early as 2 p.m., which was never the case before. Some of us cannot even take our mobile phones along anymore because of fear of being attacked,” a female farmer said.
The demonstrators described kidnapping as a “lucrative business” in the local government area and insisted that they had reached their limit.
“Enough is enough. Kidnapping has become a daily occurrence here. We feel neglected by those in power at the state level,” a protester added.
As of the time of filing this report, motorists remained stranded on both sides of the barricaded highway, while security agencies were yet to officially respond to the allegations.
