Youths and community leaders in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State blocked the Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Kabba Highway on Saturday to protest the escalating wave of banditry and kidnappings in their communities.

The demonstrators set up barricades as early as 8 a.m., bringing traffic on the major transit route to a standstill. They waved placards with messages including "Enough is Enough," "Stop Kidnapping Our People," "We Demand Government Urgent Intervention," and "We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results."

Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters drawn from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin, and Edidi were led by traditional rulers and local elders who condemned the deteriorating security situation.

They expressed deep concern that persistent abductions have disrupted farming and commerce, leaving residents trapped in fear, poverty, and food insecurity.

The peaceful demonstration called for immediate government action, including increased security presence and the rescue of abducted citizens.

Youths and community leaders in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State blocked the Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Kabba Highway on Saturday to protest the escalating wave of banditry and kidnappings in their communities.

The demonstrators set up barricades as early as 8 a.m., bringing traffic on the major transit route to a standstill. They waved placards with messages including "Enough is Enough," "Stop Kidnapping Our People," "We Demand Government Urgent Intervention," and "We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results."

Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters drawn from Isanlu-Isin, Oke-Onigbin, and Edidi were led by traditional rulers and local elders who condemned the deteriorating security situation.

They expressed deep concern that persistent abductions have disrupted farming and commerce, leaving residents trapped in fear, poverty, and food insecurity.

The peaceful demonstration called for immediate government action, including increased security presence and the rescue of abducted citizens.

"We have paid N30m for two people earlier kidnapped, yet they have not been released. Now the kidnappers are asking for more money," Ayanda told Sunday PUNCH.

He also disclosed that seven vigilantes who went in search of abducted victims had remained missing, adding that one body was later recovered while 30 motorcycles belonging to the vigilantes were burnt.

The Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Ademola Julus, who spoke to the protesting youths via telephone, appealed for calm, explaining that he was already in Abuja to discuss the security crisis with the National Security Adviser.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the bravery of the vigilantes who confronted the bandits.