Akure, the capital of Ondo State, was thrown into chaos as protests erupted following the abduction of nine surveyors by suspected kidnappers. The victims, all natives of Akure, were seized while carrying out their duties at Owode Ilu-Abo in Akure South Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the armed kidnappers stormed the site, overpowering the surveyors and whisking them away to an unknown location. Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of N50 million, but in a chilling turn of events, they later doubled their demand to N100 million, heightening fears about the fate of the victims.
In response to the abduction, scores of women in Akure took to the streets, blocking major roads, including the bustling Oba Adesida Road. The demonstrators, many of them relatives of the kidnapped victims, called on security agencies and the Ondo State government to take immediate action. "Enough is enough! We cannot continue living in fear. The government must act now!" an enraged protester shouted.
The Ondo State government has acknowledged the incident and assured the public that security operatives are actively working to secure the release of the abducted surveyors. However, the rising wave of kidnappings in the state has sparked growing concerns, with residents fearing that criminals are becoming bolder due to a lack of decisive action.
As tensions mount, many are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace of abductions in Ondo State. The fate of the nine surveyors now hangs in the balance, as their families anxiously await any breakthrough in negotiations.