Residents Protest In Ondo After Gunmen Abducted Woman, Shot Three People

Residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State blocked the Airport-Owo expressway on Monday, protesting the growing wave of insecurity and repeated kidnappings in their community.

The demonstration, which stopped traffic for several hours, followed a Sunday night attack in which gunmen reportedly abducted a woman and shot three other people.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers ambushed the victim at her home, firing shots that damaged her vehicle’s fuel tank and tyres before dragging her away.

It was gathered that two neighbours who tried to help were also shot, one in the head and the other in the stomach, before they were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Abayomi Jimoh, Ondo State police public relations officer, confirmed the incident, saying the attack happened around 8 p.m. on Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo.

“Preliminary information revealed that about six armed men, whose identities are yet unknown, ambushed and opened fire on one John Ofuduwa while he was driving into his residence,” Jimoh said.

Jimoh said the gunmen abducted a neighbour, Oladeinde Tomilola, and injured a woman named Victoria and her 11-year-old daughter, Victoria Olorunfemi.

“All the injured victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” the PPRO added.

Angry residents, including youths, women, and community leaders, blocked the road with logs, stones, and other objects.

They sang protest songs and demanded immediate action from the government, saying the community can no longer live in fear.

A protester said, “We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. Kidnappers are now operating freely in our community. We want the government to act immediately before more lives are lost.’

The demonstrators called on the state government and security agencies to establish a permanent military checkpoint in Ilu-Abo.

They argued that regular patrols and a visible security presence are needed to restore safety and confidence in the area.

The road closure caused heavy traffic, leaving commuters and travellers stranded along the route between Akure and Owo.

In response, Ondo State Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal visited the area to assess the situation and speak with residents.

He condemned the attack as “senseless violence” and promised stronger security measures.

“Existing security frameworks have been strengthened with additional tactical and intelligence-driven deployments to ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

The police chief also met with the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, Olu Falae, who condemned the attack and promised support from the traditional council.

The monarch said community vigilantes would be activated to assist the police, and he urged residents to remain vigilant and report reliable information to authorities.

KanyiDaily also reported that the police arrested seven people over a theft case involving goods worth N20.45 million from a commercial store in Ondo state.