By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

Youths and residents of Imafon, Igushin and Ilado communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday protested the wave of abduction and killings in the area.

The protesters, who carried branches and barricaded the busy Shoprite intersection a few metres away from the Governor’s Office, said “the brutal attacks have continued to plunge the communities into mourning”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Thursday, gunmen killed a poultry farmer and her daughter while two others were rescued by the police in Igushin community.

Also on Friday, gunmen attacked Ilado community where they macheted and shot a popular youth while he was trying to escape from being abducted.

Speaking with newsmen, a youth leader, who identified himself as Kunle, said gunmen had been operating unchecked across the state, especially within Akure and its environs.

“We are protesting due to the incessant killings and kidnappings day in and day out at Imafon, Igushin and Ilado.

“A mother and daughter were killed two days ago, and another guy was brutally macheted yesterday.

“We want government to rise up to its duties. We have not seen the impact of the monthly security votes in the state.

“We are tired of burying our people every week while those paid to protect us do nothing. These gunmen move freely in the state capital, and yet our leaders remain silent.

“Where exactly is the security vote going? We see no presence of security, no patrols, no results,” he said.

The youth leader said that residents would not relent until the government took concrete action to secure lives and properties of residents. (NAN)