The protesters voiced concerns over the persistent insecurity, citing the recent abduction of a prominent Labour Party (LP) member, Okasime Olowojoba, who has been held captive for nearly a month despite a ransom payment reportedly exceeding N5 million.
On Wednesday, hundreds of youths took to the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road in Edo State to protest the deteriorating condition of the road, which they claimed has led to a surge in kidnapping incidents and the collapse of critical infrastructure in the region.
The protesters expressed deep frustration over the frequency of abductions, which they attributed to the poor state of the roads that make escape routes easily accessible to criminals and hinder timely responses from security agencies. They also lamented the absence of basic amenities and accused political representatives from the area of being indifferent to the suffering of the people.
The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill for several hours, affecting commuters and heavy-duty vehicles traveling along the route. The protesters voiced concerns over the persistent insecurity, citing the recent abduction of a prominent Labour Party (LP) member, Okasime Olowojoba, who has been held captive for nearly a month despite a ransom payment reportedly exceeding N5 million.
One of the protest leaders, Paul Lawani, condemned the government’s silence and demanded immediate intervention.
“We cannot continue to live like slaves in our own country. The government owes us an explanation on the state of the road and the increasing kidnappings,” Lawani said.
He criticized the neglect of healthcare facilities in the area, noting that despite the presence of three general hospitals in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, none are functioning effectively. According to him, the region’s size and strategic importance even warrant the establishment of a military base.
“Akoko-Edo is long overdue for a military installation, yet we see such facilities in areas with far less need,” he added.
The protesters also accused security operatives stationed in the region of complacency and vowed to sustain their demonstrations until concrete action is taken by the state government.
Calm was eventually restored when the traditional ruler of Igarra, the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Adeche Saiki, sent emissaries to appeal to the demonstrators. Following his intervention, the road was reopened to traffic.
The monarch assured the protesters that he had formally written to the state government to express concern over the poor condition of the road and the escalating insecurity, pledging to continue pressing for urgent government action.
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