The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed strong displeasure over a recent protest by residents of communities in Akure North Local Government Area against escalating insecurity, warning that such demonstrations risk being taken over by criminals and should not be the first response to security challenges.
Truth Live News gathered that the protest erupted on Tuesday when furious youths from Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities barricaded the busy Akure-Owo highway, placing the corpse of a middle-aged man allegedly killed by suspected kidnappers in the early hours of that day.
The demonstrators accused the government of remaining silent despite repeated pleas for intervention amid incessant killings and abductions in the area.
Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in his office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa admonished community leaders and traditional rulers to rein in youths involved in criminal activities.
The Daily Post reports that he stressed that protests could easily be hijacked by hoodlums, noting that the youths had initially agreed to suspend the action after security agencies intervened, only for it to be later taken over by unknown persons.
“That is why we always tell people that protest should not be the first line of action. When you start it, you don’t know who is who,” the governor said.
The governor’s caution comes against the backdrop of heightened insecurity in parts of Ondo State, with residents frustrated by ongoing kidnappings and killings. While acknowledging the grievances, Aiyedatiwa urged dialogue and collaboration with security forces over public demonstrations.
No immediate details were provided on new security deployments or specific measures announced during the MACBAN meeting, but the governor’s remarks underscore the administration’s preference for structured engagement to address the crisis.
