Protesters have taken to the streets of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, in response to the reported abduction of 9 surveyors in Owode Ilu-Abo, located within the Akure South local government area.
The 9 surveyors, originally from Akure, were engaged in a job at Owode Ilu-Abo when they were taken captive by the unknown assailants.
The Nation reports that women carrying placards filled the streets of Akure, obstructing the popular Oba Adesida road.
A sister of one of the abducted individuals, Comfort Afolabi, reported that the surveyors were kidnapped last week.
Afolabi indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million before they would commence negotiations for the victims’ release.
She further stated that the ransom had now escalated to ₦100 million for their freedom.
The incidence of kidnappings has been increasing in Ondo State. Just last week, a farmer and his manager were also abducted while returning from their farm in the Oba Ile area.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, acknowledged that the Police Command is lacking the necessary resources to effectively address kidnappings and other criminal activities.