Protesters have taken to the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, Nigeria, following the abduction of nine surveyors at Owode Ilu-Abo in Akure South Local Government Area.
The kidnapped surveyors, all natives of Akure, were on an assignment at Owode Ilu-Abo when they were abducted last week.
Women carrying placards blocked the popular Oba Adesida road, demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies.
Ransom Demand Soars
A sister of one of the victims, Comfort Afolabi, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million before agreeing to negotiate. However, they have now raised the ransom to N100 million for the release of the nine victims.
Rising Insecurity in Ondo
Ondo State has witnessed a surge in kidnappings. Just last week, a farmer and his manager were abducted at Oba Ile while returning from their farm.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, admitted that the command lacks the necessary logistics to effectively combat kidnappers and other criminal elements in the state.
Residents are calling on security agencies and the state government to take swift action to secure the victims’ release and curb the rising insecurity.
