By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

Some residents of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday blocked the Akure/Owo highway over alleged incessant killings and kidnappings in the area.

The protesters alleged that one of the residents was killed in his farm by suspected gunmen on Tuesday morning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents, mostly youths, prevented the free flow of traffic, leaving motorists stranded on the expressway.

The protesters were carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “We Are Dying, Save Our Soul”, “Mr Governor, Please Assist Us”, “Our Children Are in Danger and”, “We Cannot Go to Farms Again” among others.

One of the residents, who identified himself as Joseph Adee, told newsmen that they could not go to their farms due to the incessant kidnappings and killings in the area.

The protesters appealed to the government to help them tackle the insecurity that is ravaging the area.

“We will not leave here unless Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa come to address us because we can no longer go to our farms due to insecurity,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Adebowale Lawal, the Commissioner of Police in the state, appealed to them to allow free vehicular movement, but was rebuffed.

Lawal assured the residents that the security agencies including the Amotekun Corps and the police would ensure the safety of lives and property.

The CP promised to deploy additional policemen and tactical units to check the insecurity, assured that police operatives with other security agencies would beef up security in the communities.

“We are fully aware of your grievances, concerted efforts are ongoing to address the prevailing security challenges in the area.

“Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents,” he said.

The police boss also visited the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and told him the efforts being made by security agencies to curb insecurity in the area.

NAN reports that at Ilu-Abo, gunmen recently kidnapped a woman, and a couple, while a businessman was shot which resulted in his death.

On Monday, Mr Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Akoko North-West Local Council Area of the state, was kidnapped alongside two others in his farm at Ilu-Abo by gunmen. (NAN)

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