Hundreds of young residents in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, staged a protest on Tuesday over the killing of a local farmer. The demonstrators barricaded the Akure-Owo Expressway for hours, demanding urgent security intervention from the state government and law enforcement agencies.
The protest followed the death of Ben Daniels, who was reportedly attacked on Monday evening while heading to a farm settlement. The incident heightened tension in the community, coming shortly after the abduction of worshippers in nearby Uso community.
Residents alleged that the farmer was killed by suspected herdsmen, sparking outrage across Ogbese. Protesters gathered in large numbers, chanting solidarity songs and insisting on stronger security presence to protect lives and property.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the case was reported on Monday. Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said preliminary findings indicate that the deceased and another individual, James Unekwu, were travelling on a motorcycle to a camp when they were attacked by armed men.
Jimoh stated that Unekwu managed to escape, while Daniels was killed and his body abandoned by the roadside. Police officers later recovered the corpse and deposited it at a mortuary for autopsy.
The police added that the survivor is currently under protective custody as investigations continue, particularly amid suspicions of possible local involvement in the attack.
Reacting to the development, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over the recent security challenges in parts of the state. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, the governor disclosed that early investigations suggest the involvement of some local collaborators aiding criminal activities.
The government directed security agencies to intensify surveillance operations and ensure the arrest of those responsible. It also warned that any attempt to destabilise the state through criminal acts would be met with lawful measures.
Authorities highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, including logistics support for security agencies, construction of a Crime Control Centre for the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, and the recent recruitment of 500 additional personnel to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged traditional rulers and community leaders to remain alert and monitor activities within their domains. He also encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements, reiterating the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State.
