Residents of Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday protested over what they described as incessant kidnappings and worsening insecurity in the agrarian community.
The residents also lamented the wanton destruction of their property by hoodlums.
Thefrontrank reports that this happening barely 24 hours after youths of Ayede Ogbese in Akure North Local Council Area of the State barricaded the Akure-Owo Expressway in protest over the killing of a farmer, Ben Daniels, by suspected herders.
The protesting Isua-Akoko residents blocked the popular Akoko-Lokoja-Abuja road to express their grievances, leaving scores of motorists stranded.
The angry residents trooped out in numbers carrying leaves, and placards with various inscriptions condemning the rising insecurity in the area.
Some residents who spoke during the protest accused the government and security agencies of being insensitive to their plight.
“We are tired of the kidnapping and killing of our people. Those in government have failed to protect us,” one of the protesters said.
Another protester accused armed herders of taking over their farmlands.
“Our farmers can no longer access their farms. Herdsmen have occupied our lands, and nothing is being done about it by the government,” he claimed.
They also alleged that some residents of the community were serving as informat 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,” said one of the residents.
“We now leave our farms as early as 2.00 pm, which was never the case before. Some of us cannot even take our mobile phones along anymore because of fear of being attacked.
“Enough is enough. Kidnapping has become a daily occurrence here. We feel neglected by those in power at the state level,” said another protester.
As of press time, the state government and the police command are yet to react the development.
