Residents of Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, protested the alleged killings and abductions in the agrarian community.

The protesters included women carrying leaves, while the men and youths displayed placards with inscriptions like “The killings are too much”; “The insecurity is too much. Government should help us”.

Others inscriptions are “We are a peace loving community, not warriors”, among others.

Umoru Kamoru, youth president of Akoko South-East Local Government, during the protest, said the spate of violence had crippled economic activities in the farming community.

Mr Kamoru, who explained that the residents could no longer go about their daily businesses without fear of being attacked, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for urgent deployment of additional security personnel to the area.

“We are tired of the kidnapping and killing of our people. Those in authority have failed to protect us.

“Our farmers, even the women, can no longer go to their farms without fear. Some of us cannot even sleep with both eyes closed because of the fear of being attacked,” he said.

Also, Abimbola Oluwafemi, youth president of Isua-Akoko, called on the state and federal governments to take immediate steps to restore peace in the area.

“This protest is triggered by the recent killing of a youth leader in the community, who was allegedly murdered after ransom had been paid for his release

“Even another killing was recorded in neighbouring Ipe-Akoko, which is worsening the security crisis in our community.

“So, we are calling on all governments to rise up to their responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.

Speaking with journalists, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokespesperson, expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Mr Jimoh, who said the command was aware of the protest, explained that a full-scale investigation had commenced to apprehend those responsible for the attack and other related crimes in the area.

He explained that the state commissioner of police had ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to the affected communities.

According to him, the additional assets will strengthen security presence, restore public confidence, and prevent further attacks.

The spokesperson also said the CP directed divisional police officers (DPOs) and operational units to intensify coordinated patrols along the highway and surrounding settlements.

“While the command understands the concerns of residents, it urges members of the public to remain calm, avoid road blockage and actions capable of disrupting public peace or hindering security operations.

”The police remain committed to working with other security agencies and community stakeholders to decisively tackle criminal elements threatening the safety of lives and property across Ondo State,” Mr Jimoh said.

(NAN)