Hundreds of youths in Ogbese community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Tuesday took to the streets to protest the alleged killing of a farmer in the area.
The victim was reportedly attacked and murdered on his farm on Monday evening by suspected herdsmen, triggering outrage among residents.
The incident occurred days after some worshippers of the Celestial Church of Christ were kidnapped in neighbouring Uso community. The victims were later released on Monday night after the payment of ransom.
Angry protesters blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway for several hours, chanting solidarity songs and demanding improved security. They called on the state government and security agencies to be more proactive in safeguarding lives and property in the community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the matter was reported to the police on Monday.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased, Ben Daniels, and one James Unekwu were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were allegedly attacked by unknown gunmen. James Unekwu reportedly escaped from the assailants, while the victim was murdered and his body dumped along the roadside.
“Police operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, evacuated the corpse, and deposited it at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The escaped victim is currently in police protective custody as tensions rise over a possible conspiracy, while investigations continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed displeasure over the rising insecurity in parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor said preliminary findings indicated that some local collaborators were involved in the insecurity in the affected areas and vowed to clamp down on them.
The statement noted that the government was aware that certain elements were attempting to portray Ondo State as unsafe through criminal activities, stressing that such acts would be met with firm and lawful action.
It added that all security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and apprehend those responsible.
The government also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen security, including the provision of logistics support to agencies, the construction of a Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), and the recent recruitment of 500 personnel to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Aiyedatiwa urged traditional rulers to remain vigilant and monitor activities within their domains, encouraging residents to promptly report suspicious movements.
“If you see something, say something. 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, security, and stability of our dear state,” the governor said.
