Hundreds of youths in Ogbese community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, staged a protest on Tuesday following the alleged killing of a farmer by suspected herdsmen.
The protesters blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway for several hours, chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent government intervention to curb rising insecurity in the area.
Farmer Attacked on His Way to Camp
According to the Ondo State Police Command, the incident was reported on Monday.
Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased, identified as Ben Daniels, and one James Unekwu were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
Unekwu reportedly escaped, while Daniels was murdered and his body dumped by the roadside.
Police operatives evacuated the corpse to the mortuary for autopsy, while the survivor has been placed in protective custody as investigations continue.
Rising Tension After Recent Kidnap
The killing comes days after worshippers of the Celestial Church of Christ were kidnapped in neighbouring Uso community. The victims were released on Monday night after ransom was reportedly paid.
The back-to-back incidents have heightened fears among residents, who accuse authorities of not doing enough to prevent attacks.
Governor Orders Crackdown
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa condemned the killing and expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor disclosed that preliminary findings suggested the involvement of local collaborators in recent security breaches.
He vowed that anyone found complicit would face decisive and lawful action.
The government said it has directed all security agencies to intensify surveillance and track down perpetrators.
Strengthening Security Architecture
The state highlighted ongoing security measures, including:
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Logistics support for security agencies
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Construction of a Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps)
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Recruitment of 500 new personnel to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response
Aiyedatiwa urged traditional rulers and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
“If you see something, say something. The protection of lives and property remains our foremost priority,” the governor stated.
As tensions remain high in Ogbese, security presence has reportedly been reinforced to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
