Tension escalated in Eleyewo Community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Saturday as residents staged a protest over the abduction of a couple by suspected armed bandits.
The demonstrators blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway in the early hours of the day, chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent intervention from security agencies to curb the growing insecurity in the area.
The protest followed the late-night attack on one Jamiu Olawale and his wife, who were reportedly kidnapped at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the couple had just returned home from their shop in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when they were ambushed.
According to the police statement, the victims were attacked in front of their residence at Olaribigba Estate, Iluabo, after unknown gunmen allegedly emerged from a nearby bush.
“The attackers abducted the couple and whisked them away to an unknown destination,” Jimoh said.
He added that during the incident, a neighbour, Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated in front of his residence, sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The brazen attack triggered panic within the community, forcing several residents to flee their homes as the gunmen reportedly fired sporadically before escaping with the couple.
Saturday’s protest underscores mounting frustration among residents over the persistent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of Akure North.
The latest incident comes barely 48 hours after the killing of Oba Kehinde Falodun, the monarch of Agamo Community in the same local government area.
The traditional ruler was reportedly killed during a struggle with armed bandits who allegedly attempted to abduct him.
Residents have called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance, particularly in communities bordering forests, which are believed to serve as hideouts for criminal elements.
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were said to be combing the surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue the abducted couple and apprehend the perpetrators.
