Akure kidnap protest erupts as residents block highway after gunmen abduct couple in Ondo State community

Residents of Eleyewo Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State staged an Akure Kidnap Protest on Saturday morning after armed bandits abducted a couple and injured a neighbour during a late-night attack.

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The victims, identified as Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were reportedly seized by gunmen who emerged from nearby bushland at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday.

The assailants also shot a resident, Patrick Ilumaro, who survived and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Angered by the incident, protesters blocked the busy Akure-Owo Expressway, chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent security intervention.

The demonstration disrupted traffic for several hours as commuters were forced to seek alternative routes.

Confirming the attack, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the couple had just returned from their shop in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when they were ambushed at the frontage of their residence in Olaribigba Estate, Iluabo.

“The attackers abducted the couple and whisked them away to an unknown destination. During the incident, a neighbour, Mr Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated in front of his residence, sustained a gunshot wound.

He was promptly rushed to hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment,” DSP Abayomi Jimoh stated.

The incident has heightened anxiety in Akure North, coming barely two days after the reported killing of Oba Kehinde Falodun, the monarch of Agamo Community in the same local government area.

The monarch was said to have been attacked during an attempted abduction.

Saturday’s Akure Kidnap Protest underscores mounting frustration among residents, who are calling for decisive and sustained security action to curb a wave of violent crimes in the area.

Also read: Shocking Ondo State kidnapping leaves one dead, businesswoman Mrs Orogun abducted

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and assured the public that efforts are being intensified to rescue the abducted couple and apprehend the perpetrators.