Oyo Residents Stage Protest Over Rising Insecurity

Residents of Oyo State have raised their voices against the Governor Seyi Makinde-led government over rising insecurity in the state.

The citizens trooped out en-mass on Monday in Ogbomoso town to protest against the increasing killings and kidnappings in the town and its environs.

Naija News understands that their protest was sparked after the recent abduction and killing of a hotelier, Mr. Gbenga Owolabi, and Racheal Opadele, a 500L student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

It could be recalled that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had about two weeks ago whisked away at least three people at Abaa, a community near the higher institution.

It was reported that the assailants attacked the community located in the Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo at late night and kidnapped the victims.

The incident and many more have stirred fears among the residents, hence they trooped out in a large number yesterday to stage a peaceful protest which was championed by Ogbomoso Consultative Council and Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum.

The protest, Naija News learned started at Takie and moved around the town. The protesters, according to reports, later converged at Soun Ogunlola Hall, displaying placards with various inscriptions such as “Come to our rescue before we start self-defense,” and “Allow us to defend ourselves,” among others.

At the rally, traditionalists, members of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Agbekoya, vigilantes, and other groups said they were ready to do whatever it takes to stop criminal activities in Ogbomoso and its environs.

A representative of the traditional heads, Mogajis, and chiefs, while addressing the crowd, said they were taking necessary steps on the issue. He also urged residents to cooperate with OPC, Amotekun, and other indigenous security agencies in their efforts to combat crimes in Ogbomoso.

Naija News understands that the likes of Imam Ile Yoruba, AIG Sheu Babalola (Rtd); AIG Ajani (Rtd); CAN Chairman, Ogbomoso; representative of Chief Imam of Ogbomoso; Iyaloja of Ogbomoso, Lamiju Alao Akala among others also addressed the crowd during the demonstration.

In their separate remarks, they said efforts were ongoing to improve the security of lives and properties in the town, urging residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authority.