Amanze Chinonye
Residents of Iyowa community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday barricaded the Benin–Akure expressway in a tense protest against a rising wave of kidnappings that has plunged the area into fear and frustration.
The demonstration followed a series of abductions reportedly carried out over the last three days, including a couple seized in broad daylight and another resident kidnapped on Friday.
Community members say the armed attackers described by locals as Fulani Bandits have been operating with increasing boldness, raiding homes and intercepting travellers with little or no resistance.
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Protesters, including youth and local leaders, said they blocked the highway after repeated distress calls to security agencies failed to attract meaningful response. They accused police operatives of either arriving late or failing to show up during attacks.
“We sleep with fear every night. They come into houses and carry people. We cannot continue like this,” a resident lamented during the demonstration.
Police operatives deployed to the scene appealed for calm but were unable to immediately disperse the crowd or reopen the expressway. Officers reportedly assured residents that additional security measures would be activated to restore safety in the area.
State authorities have yet to issue an official response at the time of filing this report.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
