Tension erupted in Ondo State as angry market women took to the streets, protesting the abduction of nine surveyors in Owode Ilu-Abo, Akure South.
The demonstrators, wielding placards and chanting slogans, blocked roads leading to the governor’s office, causing heavy gridlock across Akure metropolis.
The victims, reportedly on duty at the site, were kidnapped by armed assailants, with the abductors demanding a staggering N100 million ransom for their release.
A market leader, Toyin Arowosafe, revealed that negotiations had begun with the kidnappers, but their plea to reduce the ransom to N50 million was rejected.
Comfort Afolabi, one of the protesters whose brother was among the abducted, also confirmed the ransom demand.
In response to the outcry, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, assured the protesters that the state government is actively working to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The security situation in Ondo remains tense as residents call for urgent action.
