JUST IN: GUNMEN KILL ONE, ABDUCT THREE NEAR AKURE AIRPORT AS RESIDENTS STAGE PROTEST OVER RISING INSECURITY

 GUNMEN KILL ONE, ABDUCT THREE NEAR AKURE AIRPORT AS RESIDENTS STAGE PROTEST OVER RISING INSECURITY

Residents around the Akure-Owo Airport Road in Ondo State staged a protest on Tuesday morning after suspected gunmen reportedly killed one person and abducted three others in a late-night attack near the Ilu-Abo area of Akure, the state capital.

The incident occurred less than 24 hours after the reported abduction of a local government council secretary near the same airport corridor, heightening security concerns among residents and commuters who frequently use the route.

Eyewitnesses said the attack happened late Monday night when armed men stormed the Ilu-Abo axis, firing gunshots into the air and creating panic in the community before taking away three individuals.

A resident who spoke during the protest said one person was shot during the incident and later died from the injuries, while others were taken away by the attackers.

According to the resident, repeated cases of kidnapping in communities around the airport road have left locals feeling vulnerable and frustrated.

Residents who gathered along the Akure-Owo road blocked the highway with logs, tyres, and other objects in an attempt to draw attention to what they described as worsening insecurity in the area.

A video circulating on social media on Tuesday showed protesters carrying the body of the victim while others barricaded parts of the expressway, causing a temporary standstill for motorists.

The protesters accused authorities of not doing enough to address the security challenges facing communities around Ilu-Abo, Kajola, and other neighbouring settlements along the airport road.

One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Tunde, said the demonstration was meant to alert the government and security agencies to the urgency of the situation.

He said residents had reported several security concerns in the past but claimed that little had changed, leaving communities exposed to frequent attacks by suspected kidnappers.

Motorists travelling along the busy Akure-Owo expressway were forced to wait for several hours as the road blockade led to heavy traffic and disrupted movement in the area.

The attack adds to a growing list of kidnapping incidents reported in recent months around the Akure Airport corridor and nearby communities, where residents say insecurity has begun to affect farming activities, transportation, and other daily economic activities.

As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Ondo State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the latest incident.

Security concerns in parts of Ondo State have continued to attract public attention, with community leaders and residents calling for stronger security presence and coordinated action to protect lives and property.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations into the attack continue.