From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Traffic on the busy Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba highway, came to a halt recently, as angry youths from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin, and Edidi communities took over the road to protest the growing wave of kidnappings in their area.
As early as 8 a.m., the protesters, led by community chiefs, blocked the highway with bonfires and barricades, leaving long queues of passenger buses and trucks stranded for hours.
They carried placards with messages such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Kidnapping Our People,” and “We are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results.”
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The protesters said they could no longer access their farms or engage in trade due to fear of kidnappers, a situation that has deepened hunger and hardship in their communities.
They accused the government and security agencies of ignoring repeated cries for help despite letters and visits to police formations in Ilorin.
Chief Michael Ayanda, Chief Odee of Isanlu-Isin, lamented that kidnappers now operate unhindered.
“We have paid over N30 million for kidnapped victims, yet many are still in captivity. Just today, another N10 million was paid for seven people, but only one was released. How long can we continue like this?” he asked.
Ayanda also revealed that several vigilante members who went into the forest to rescue abducted residents are missing. According to him, one vigilante was killed, while 30 motorcycles belonging to others were burnt by kidnappers.
A correctional service vehicle conveying inmates to Ilorin was among those forced to turn back after being denied passage by the demonstrators. Efforts by police officers and soldiers to reopen the road were resisted by the angry youths, who vowed not to back down until the government takes decisive action.
At the protest ground in Eleyin Village, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Azeez Yakubu, appealed for calm, promising to convey their grievances to higher authorities.
Also speaking, Mallam Ismaila Ahmed, the Serikin Fulani of Eleyin, confirmed that kidnappers are still holding seven members of his community.
“We have already paid N20 million, yet eleven of our people remain in captivity. Our people have become targets,” he lamented.
The Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Ademola Julus, who spoke with the protesters via phone from Abuja, urged them to remain peaceful.
He disclosed that he was already engaging the National Security Adviser on the growing insecurity.
One of the protesters said their action was a last resort: “We want the government to know that our people are dying, and we will not leave this road until something concrete is done.”
