The Cry for Security: Women Protest Kidnapping of Surveyors in Ondo State
The tranquility of Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, Nigeria, was shattered by the cries of hundreds of women who took to the streets to protest the kidnapping of nine surveyors. These surveyors were abducted while working in a forest near the Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area, a region increasingly plagued by insecurity. The incident, which occurred amidst reports of armed attacks on four communities in the same local government area—Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun—highlighted the escalating threat of violence and the palpable fear gripping residents. The women, bearing leaves, a traditional symbol of protest and mourning, marched from Ijemikin to the state government secretariat at Alagbaka, their voices rising in unison as they condemned the pervasive insecurity and demanded the safe return of their loved ones.
The protest underscored the desperation of the families caught in the crosshairs of this escalating crisis. One protester, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Arowosafe, whose relative was among the kidnapped surveyors, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted the families and demanded a staggering ransom of N100 million (approximately $218,000 USD). This exorbitant sum, far beyond the means of the families, painted a grim picture of their helplessness and the immense financial burden imposed by these criminal acts. The women’s plea to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa resonated with the anguish of families facing an impossible choice: succumb to the demands of criminals or endure the agonizing uncertainty of their loved ones’ fate.
The response from the government, however, added another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation. Mr. Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties to Governor Aiyedatiwa, addressed the protesters, but instead of offering reassurance or a concrete plan of action, he placed the blame squarely on the surveyors themselves. He criticized them for venturing into the forest without security escorts and suggested that their failure to allocate funds for their protection contributed to their vulnerability. This seemingly insensitive response, shifting responsibility onto the victims, further fueled the protesters’ frustration and highlighted a perceived lack of government accountability in addressing the root causes of the insecurity crisis.
Mr. Taiwo’s remarks went further, suggesting the possibility of internal collaboration in the kidnappings. He implied that individuals within the Ilu-Abo community might be complicit in the abduction, asserting that strangers could not carry out such an operation without local assistance. This accusation, while unconfirmed, sowed seeds of distrust and raised concerns about the potential involvement of community members in these criminal activities. He urged the protesters to return to their community and pressure those responsible for the kidnappings to release the surveyors, emphasizing the government’s belief in local involvement. This directive, however, placed the onus of resolving the crisis on the community itself, seemingly absolving the government of its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
The incident exposed the complex web of factors contributing to the insecurity in Ondo State. While the government pointed to a lack of security precautions on the part of the surveyors, the underlying issue of unchecked criminal activity in the region remained unaddressed. The escalating violence affecting the communities further highlighted the need for a comprehensive security strategy to protect vulnerable populations. The protesters’ plea for government intervention, while met with a dismissive response, underscored the urgent need for effective law enforcement and proactive measures to address the root causes of insecurity.
The silence from the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, added another layer of concern. The inability to reach her for comment left a void in the narrative and raised questions about the police’s role in investigating the kidnappings and ensuring the safety of the community. This lack of communication further fueled the anxieties of the protesters and the broader community, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies in addressing the security challenges facing Ondo State. The incident served as a stark reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government, security agencies, and communities to restore peace and stability to the region.
