Hundreds of angry youths on Saturday blocked the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba highway to protest the worsening spate of kidnappings in Kwara South, leaving travellers stranded for hours.
The protesters, drawn from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin, and Edidi communities, lit bonfires and carried placards with inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Kidnapping Our People,” and “We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results.”
They accused both the state government and security agencies of failing to protect lives and property despite repeated appeals.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Odee of Isanlu-Isin, Michael Ayanda, lamented that insecurity had forced residents to abandon their farms and businesses.
Ayanda alleged that despite paying ransoms running into tens of millions of naira, several abducted persons had not regained their freedom.
“We have paid N30 million for two people kidnapped earlier, yet they have not been released. Instead, the abductors are demanding more money. Just this week, we paid N10 million for seven community members, but only one person was freed,” he said.
The traditional leader further disclosed that the whereabouts of seven vigilante members, who entered the forest in search of kidnapped villagers, remain unknown.
Also speaking, the Serikin Fulani of Eleyin village, Ismaila Ahmed, revealed that at least 11 residents were still in captivity despite paying over N20 million in ransom.
The protest, which began at about 8 a.m., caused a major traffic gridlock as travellers were forced to wait for hours.
Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Azeez Yakubu, appealed to the protesters at Eleyin village to remain calm, assuring them that their grievances would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
Efforts to reach Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekunle Ojo, were unsuccessful as he did not answer his calls.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaiye, pleaded with the youths to exercise patience, insisting that the government was working to address the security challenges.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
