Angry protesters marched through the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, demanding immediate action over the abduction of nine surveyors.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the victims, all natives of Akure, were kidnapped last week at their worksite in Owode Ilu-Abo, Akure South Local Government Area.
Armed assailants stormed the location, seized the surveyors, and vanished, leaving their families and the community in distress.
Tuesday’s protest, led by affected relatives and concerned residents, blocked the busy Oba Adesida Road, disrupting traffic for several hours.
Placard-wielding women voiced their frustration, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the kidnapped workers.
One of the protesters, Comfort Afolabi, revealed that her brother was among the victims held captive by the abductors.
She stated that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million as ransom before increasing the amount to N100 million.
“We have pleaded with them, but they insist they won’t release our loved ones unless the full amount is paid,” she lamented.
She called on the government to intervene, emphasizing that the victims’ families were helpless and unable to meet the ransom demand.
This latest incident adds to the growing wave of kidnappings in Ondo State, leaving residents increasingly worried about their safety.
Just last week, a farmer and his manager were abducted while returning from their farm in the Oba Ile area.
These recurring incidents have heightened fears among residents, who believe the state government must act swiftly to curb insecurity.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, acknowledged the rising cases of kidnapping and assured the public that efforts were underway to tackle the crisis.
He admitted that security agencies were struggling with inadequate resources, making it difficult to combat the increasing criminal activities effectively.
“The issue of kidnapping is a serious concern, and we are doing everything within our capacity to address it,” he said.
He urged the state government to provide better funding and logistical support to enhance security operations across Ondo State.
Residents, however, remain dissatisfied with the government’s response, insisting that more proactive measures should be taken to prevent further kidnappings.
The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until the authorities take decisive action to rescue the abducted surveyors.
They also called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to personally intervene and ensure the victims are safely reunited with their families.
As kidnapping cases rise, residents fear for their security and demand urgent reforms to improve policing and crime prevention strategies.
