Ondo residents protest abduction of nine surveyors

Angry residents took to the streets of Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, protesting the abduction of nine surveyors in Owode Ilu-Abo, Akure South Local Government Area.

The victims, all Akure indigenes, were kidnapped last week while on duty. The demonstration, led by their families and concerned citizens, saw protesters blocking Oba Adesida Road, disrupting traffic, and demanding urgent intervention from security agencies.

One of the protesters, Comfort Afolabi, whose brother is among the kidnapped, revealed that the abductors initially demanded ₦50 million but later raised the ransom to ₦100 million.

“We have begged them, but they refuse to release our loved ones without full payment. We are helpless and need government intervention,” she said.

This incident adds to the growing cases of kidnappings in Ondo. Just last week, a farmer and his manager were abducted in the Oba Ile area.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, acknowledged the worsening security situation but cited a lack of logistics as a challenge in tackling criminal activities.

“The issue of kidnapping is a serious concern, and we are doing our best. However, we need better resources to strengthen our operations,” he stated.