Youths and community leaders in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday blocked the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba Highway to protest the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry in their communities.
The demonstrators, who mounted barricades on the busy highway from as early as 8 a.m., paralysed traffic for hours while chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Kidnapping Our People,” “We Demand Government Urgent Intervention,” and “We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results.”
The protesters, drawn from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin and Edidi communities, were led by traditional chiefs. They lamented that incessant abductions have crippled farming and business activities, leaving residents in fear and hunger.
Chief Michael Ayanda, the Odee of Isanlu-Isin, said the situation had reached alarming levels. “We have paid N30m for two people earlier kidnapped, yet they have not been released. Now the kidnappers are asking for more money,” he revealed.
He added that seven vigilantes who went after the kidnappers had gone missing, with one later found dead, while 30 motorcycles belonging to the vigilantes were burnt.
Also addressing the youths via telephone, the Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Ademola Julus, appealed for calm, disclosing that he was already in Abuja to discuss the crisis with the National Security Adviser.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the bravery of local vigilantes who confronted the armed bandits, assuring that government would intensify efforts to restore peace and security in the area.
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