Ondo Community Erupts in Protest After Gunmen Abduct Woman, Injure Three

 

By Adesakin Adefemi 

Residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government of Ondo state took to the streets, blocking a major highway in protest against rising insecurity and frequent abductions in the area. The peaceful demonstration, which halted vehicular movement on the Airport-Owo expressway for hours, was triggered by a Sunday night attack where gunmen reportedly kidnapped a woman and injured three others with gunfire. The protesters, comprising mainly youths, women, and community leaders, demanded immediate action from the government to address the security challenges facing the community.

Eyewitnesses recounted how the assailants ambushed the victim at her home's entrance, firing shots that damaged her vehicle before dragging her away. Two neighbours who tried to intervene were shot, with one sustaining a head injury and the other a stomach injury, and were rushed to a nearby hospital. The incident has left the community in a state of panic, with many residents fearing for their safety.

Abayomi Jimoh, police public relations officer in Ondo, confirmed the incident occurred around 8 pm on Liberty avenue, Ilu-Abo. The police said the attackers, estimated to be six in number, opened fire on one John Ofuduwa while he was driving into his residence. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to track down the perpetrators.

Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, Victoria Olorunfemi, sustained injuries from the gunfire and are receiving medical attention. Frustrated residents, including youths, women, and community leaders, barricaded the road with logs and stones, demanding immediate action from the government. They called for a permanent military checkpoint in Ilu-Abo, citing the need for visible patrols to curb crime and rebuild trust.

The protesters, who were peaceful but determined, chanted slogans and waved placards, drawing attention to the insecurity in the area. They also called on the government to provide adequate compensation to the victims of the attack and their families.

The Ondo Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, visited the site, promising enhanced security measures and swift arrest of the perpetrators. He assured the community that the police were doing everything possible to ensure the safe release of the abducted woman and bring the perpetrators to justice.

This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks in Ondo State, with multiple cases of abduction and killings reported in recent months. The state government has been working to address the security challenges, with the establishment of a joint security task force and the recruitment of new Amotekun personnel.

The situation remains fluid, with efforts ongoing to restore peace and security to the affected communities. The government has assured residents that it is committed to addressing the security challenges and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

The community is watching closely to see how the government will respond to the situation, and many are calling for more decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity in the state.

The incident has also raised concerns about the capacity of security agencies to protect citizens, with many calling for increased funding and resources to combat crime.