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Akure, Ondo State – The Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of nine surveyors in Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area, calling it an alarming escalation of insecurity in the state. Engr. Temi Alex Oluwalade, the Akure North Local Government Coordinator of OSYN, described the incident as “a direct attack on the safety and livelihoods of hardworking citizens,” urging the state government to take immediate action.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Oluwalade expressed deep sympathy for the families of the abducted surveyors, particularly their wives and children, who have been thrown into distress. “These men were simply out there, trying to make an honest living, but instead, they were snatched away by criminals,” he lamented. “The country is already hard enough—now, people cannot even step out to work without the fear of being kidnapped. This is unacceptable!”
He further stated that the community of Ilu Abo is in shock and mourning, as residents grapple with fear over the growing insecurity in the area. “Our people are scared, businesses are suffering, and families are living in constant anxiety. How much longer will this go on before the government steps in decisively?” he questioned.
The Local Government coordinator did not mince words in calling on Governor Lucky Ayiedatiwa to act swiftly and decisively to curb the rising tide of kidnappings. “Governor Ayiedatiwa must stop this madness! We cannot afford to let Ondo State become a den of kidnappers again. His administration must not be defined by the very problem his predecessor worked hard to solve,” Oluwalade warned.
He criticized the seeming lack of urgency from security agencies, insisting that the state government must take full responsibility for ensuring the safe return of the abducted surveyors. “It is the government’s duty to protect its people. We cannot keep looking the other way while criminals terrorize law-abiding citizens. We demand immediate action to secure their release!” he declared.
Oluwalade also urged the state government to adopt a more aggressive security strategy to combat the growing threat of kidnappings. “We need increased patrols, surveillance, and collaboration with local vigilantes. The criminals must be made to understand that Ondo State is no longer a safe haven for them,” he said.
The Ondo State Youth Network, he added, will not remain silent while lives are endangered. “We are watching closely, and we expect concrete action—not just words. If nothing is done, we will be forced to take our protests beyond the streets of Akure,” Oluwalade warned.
He concluded by calling on the people of Ondo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. “We must stand together against this growing threat. Ondo State belongs to us all, and we must not allow kidnappers to take it from us!”
Temiloluwa Alex Oluwalade __MSc MNMGS MNSE COREN
Coordinator,
Ondo State Youth Network,
Akure North LGA