Tension gripped Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday as angry protesters took to the streets over the alleged abduction of two traditional rulers in the state.
The demonstrators, comprising youths, community leaders, and concerned residents, blocked major roads in Akure, demanding urgent government intervention and improved security across the state.
According to reports, the monarchs—whose identities are yet to be officially confirmed—were reportedly kidnapped along the Owo–Ikare road by suspected gunmen while returning from a meeting earlier in the week. The incident has sparked outrage among residents who decried the increasing wave of insecurity in the region.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Stop kidnapping our kings” and “We need security, not promises,” the protesters accused security agencies of negligence and called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive action to secure the release of the abducted monarchs.
Security operatives, including the police and Amotekun Corps, were deployed to maintain order and prevent the protest from escalating into violence.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed receiving reports of the alleged abduction, assuring that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.