Hundreds of youths from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin, and Edidi communities in Kwara South on Saturday blocked the Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba Highway to protest the rising wave of kidnappings in their areas.
The protesters, who mounted bonfires and carried placards with inscriptions such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Kidnapping Our People,” and “We Demand Urgent Government Intervention,” disrupted traffic on both sides of the busy highway for several hours.
Chief Michael Ayanda, the Odee of Isanlu-Isin and spokesman for the protesters, said the incessant abductions had crippled farming and commercial activities, spreading fear and hunger among residents.
“We have paid ₦30 million for two kidnapped people who are yet to be released, and another ₦10 million for seven victims, but only one was freed,” he told NAN at Eleyin Village.
He added that the whereabouts of at least seven vigilante members, who entered the forests to rescue captives, remain unknown.
Ayanda condemned what he described as the nonresponsive attitude of security agencies and government despite several letters and visits to police commands and state authorities in Ilorin.
Also speaking, the Serikin Fulani of Eleyin Village, Mallam Ismaila Ahmed, confirmed that seven of their members were still in captivity, adding that at least 11 people were yet to regain freedom despite ransom payments exceeding ₦20 million.
Addressing the demonstrators, Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Mr. Azeez Yakubu, appealed for calm and promised to relay their grievances to the appropriate authorities.
Efforts to reach Kwara Police Commissioner, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, proved unsuccessful. However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaiye, urged the protesters to exercise patience, assuring that the government was working to address insecurity across the state.