Residents Block Ondo Highway In Protest Over Gunmen Attacks

Residents of Ayede Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State staged a protest on Tuesday by shutting down the busy Akure–Owo–Benin highway over repeated cases of killings and kidnappings in the area.

Angry youths blocked the road early in the morning after a young man, Ben Daniels, was killed on Monday night.

Daniels was said to have been riding a motorcycle with James Unekwu along Agunla Farm Road when gunmen attacked them.

Unekwu reportedly escaped, but Daniels was shot, and his body was later found by the roadside.

The community has witnessed a rise in violent attacks in recent weeks. On February 18, gunmen killed Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community in the same council area.

A few days later, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted a couple in the Ilu-Abo community of the same local government.

During the protest, demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Stop the killing of innocent souls,” “Justice must be served,” and “We are tired of dying in silence.”

They accused the state government of abandoning their community and claimed that security agencies had not done enough to stop the violence.

In his response, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed security forces to step up operations against criminals across the state.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor said some of the attacks were being carried out with the help of local collaborators.

“The government has directed all security agencies in the state to intensify surveillance and immediately clamp down on individuals or groups involved in these nefarious activities,” the statement reads.

“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost priority of the Ondo State Government, and no individual or group will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the state.”

Ondo Police spokesperson Jimoh Abayomi confirmed the killing of Daniels, saying Unekwu is now under police protection while investigations continue.

Abayomi called on residents to stay calm and avoid blocking roads or engaging in actions that could disturb public order.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, Ben Daniels (male), and one James Unekwu (male), were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen.

“James Unekwu reportedly escaped, while the victim was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside. The escaped victim is currently in police protective custody as investigations continue.

“The command urges residents to remain calm and refrain from blocking highways or engaging in activities that may disrupt public peace,” he said.

KanyiDaily also reported how gunmen attacked a church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting five worshippers during a night service.