Angry market women in Ondo State took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the abduction of nine surveyors at Owode Ilu-Abo in Akure South Local Government Area.
The women, holding placards, expressed their growing concerns over the worsening security situation in the state. The protest led to a blockade at the governor’s office, causing significant traffic gridlock in Akure for several hours.
The protesters called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims, who were reportedly at Owode Ilu-Abo for work when they were kidnapped by suspected bandits.
Toyin Arowosafe, a market leader, told reporters that the kidnappers had contacted them and demanded a ransom of N100 million. Despite attempts to negotiate the ransom down to N50 million, the kidnappers rejected the offer.
Arowosafe confirmed that the surveyors were abducted on Tuesday of the previous week. Comfort Afolabi, one of the protesters and a relative of one of the victims, also affirmed that the kidnappers had demanded N100 million.
Bola Taiwo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, addressed the protesters and reassured them that the state government is actively working to resolve the situation. He expressed optimism that the victims would be released soon and urged the protesters to remain calm.
