Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
AKURE, Nigeria — Communities in Ondo State, Nigeria were thrown into tension this week as hundreds of youths took to the Akure–Owo/Benin Expressway, blocking one of the region’s busiest transport corridors in protest against the alleged killing of a local farmer and rising insecurity across rural settlements. The demonstration reflects growing frustration over gunmen attacks, kidnappings and what residents describe as inadequate government protection for farming communities.
The protests centred on the Ayede-Ogbese community in the Akure North Local Government Area, where the Police Command confirmed that a farmer identified as Ben Daniels was shot and killed late Monday night while riding a motorcycle along Agunla Farm Road. Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said the murder was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m., and described the attack as being carried out by unknown gunmen. Daniels’ companion, James Unekwu, reportedly escaped and is now being held in police protective custody as part of ongoing investigations. Officers later removed the deceased’s body and deposited it at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
In response to the killing and broader concerns about violence in the region, youths from Ayede-Ogbese and neighbouring communities mobilised early Tuesday and completely baricaded the Akure–Owo highway, preventing vehicular movement for several hours. Protesters carried placards decrying relentless gunmen assaults and demanding government and security agency intervention to halt the killings and abductions.
“The protection of lives and property remains paramount, but it appears our calls for help have been ignored,” one protester said. “We can no longer sit quietly while our people are murdered and abducted in broad daylight.” Local leaders said the community’s frustration has been compounded by what they perceive as slow response times from security forces and recurring attacks that have terrorised farmers, traders and residents.
The blockade brought significant disruption to regional traffic, affecting commuters and commercial transporters travelling between Ondo State and neighbouring regions. In many sections, youth demonstrators sat across the highway, demanding justice and an immediate plan from the state administration to end the violence.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa later responded to the unrest with a public appeal for calm, directing security agencies to intensify operations aimed at tracking down the perpetrators. A statement from the governor’s office, signed by Commissioner for Information and Orientation Idowu Ajanaku, said investigations show some of the criminal acts may involve collaboration with certain local residents, though specifics were not disclosed. The governor assured that the state has strengthened the security apparatus and ordered increased surveillance and clampdowns on criminal gangs operating in suspected hotspots.
Police have reiterated that residents should remain calm and allow law enforcement to work, while also urging communities not to engage in highway blockades or actions that could escalate into further unrest. The command emphasised that due process will be followed and credited officers’ response as evidence of commitment to tackling crime.
The protest comes amid a backdrop of previous community demonstrations in Ondo State over similar incidents. Earlier this year, residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North barricaded the Airport–Owo Expressway, voicing anger over a string of kidnappings and shootings in their area that left several individuals injured or abducted, including an 11-year-old girl. That demonstration drew support from women, youths and community leaders, who challenged authorities to intensify security operations.
Security sources and analysts say the region has seen a rise in small-scale armed attacks and targeted violence in rural areas, particularly against farmers and travellers. These incidents have heightened fear among agrarian communities, where residents often work in isolated farmland corridors far from rapid military or police response.
Residents and civil society advocates argue that attacking farmers not only claims lives but also undermines food production, livelihoods and rural economic stability in the state. They have repeatedly called for proactive policing, better intelligence gathering, and community engagement strategies that go beyond reactive patrols.
Youth leaders involved in the recent protest warned that their actions will continue until clear security strategies are implemented and those responsible for the latest and past attacks are apprehended. They urged authorities to address the root causes of insecurity — including weapons trafficking, bandit encroachment and weak rural patrols — and to ensure accountable, swift justice for victims.
As investigations unfold into the killing of Ben Daniels and related attacks, Ondo State residents remain on edge. Observers predict that unless security conditions improve and criminal gangs are disrupted, local protests and expressions of public frustration may continue to surface across farming communities in the state.
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