Students protest ‘robberies, abductions, killings’ in Ondo

Students of tertiary schools in Ondo are protesting what they describe as a surge in abduction and crime in the state.

The students took to the streets of Akure on Thursday, holding placards with various inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs.

Led by Oluwarotimi Joshua, the south-west chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, the protest blocked major roads.

The students disrupted road traffic for several hours and accused Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state governor, of failing to prioritise their safety.

The protesters demanded urgent government intervention to tackle the insecurity concerns.

They criticised the government’s handling of student welfare, citing poor conditions in tertiary institutions.

The protesters expressed concern about lack of student-friendly policies, particularly for those undergoing the industrial work experience.

Local sources told TheCable that Wilfred Afolabi, the state’s commissioner of police, attempted to disperse the protesters but they resisted.

In recent years, Ondo has witnessed a surge in security threats, including kidnappings, robberies, and violent attacks.

In March 2025, nine surveyors and an industrial training student were abducted at Owode/Ilu-Abo in Akure North LGA.

This prompted public outcry by local women demanding improved security measures.

Recently on March 19, locals also barricaded the entrance to the governor’s office in protest over the killing of five farmers.

In February 2024, students protested frequent robberies around the North Gate area of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).