Students in Ondo State took to the streets of Akure on Thursday, demanding immediate government action against rising insecurity and broken promises.
Organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the peaceful protest highlighted growing frustrations over frequent abductions and inadequate responses from authorities. Chanting slogans and waving placards, demonstrators blocked key roads near Oja-Oba, Alagbaka, and NEPA Market for five hours, disrupting traffic and drawing public attention.
Speaking passionately, NANS Ondo Chairman Joshua Oluwarotimi condemned the government’s lukewarm approach to student safety, citing recent kidnappings. “Our peers are disappearing, yet leaders remain silent,” he declared, urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to honor pledges on education and security. Meanwhile, NANS Southwest Deputy Coordinator Ademola Adegoke echoed these concerns, stressing that academic success hinges on safe environments.
Responding swiftly, Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi assured protesters of intensified efforts to curb criminal activities, appealing for calm. Hours later, Secretary to the State Government Taiwo Fasoranti addressed the crowd, relaying the governor’s promise to meet student leaders within 24 hours. “Your voices matter,” Fasoranti affirmed, vowing prioritized welfare and security measures.
The demonstration underscored deepening discontent among youths, who now await tangible outcomes from the planned dialogue. Many fear further inaction could escalate tensions, jeopardizing academic stability. As the sun set, students dispersed cautiously, hopeful yet skeptical of political commitments.
Across the state, residents watched closely, recognizing the protest as a bellwether for broader governance challenges. Parents expressed solidarity, lamenting how insecurity disrupts education and futures. “Our children deserve better,” one mother remarked, capturing a community’s collective anxiety.
While officials emphasize progress, critics argue delayed actions erode public trust. Analysts note that repeated abductions, particularly near campuses, reveal systemic security gaps needing urgent redress. For students, the protest marks both a cry for help and a test of leadership.
Governor Aiyedatiwa faces mounting pressure to translate assurances into visible results, with many questioning his administration’s capacity to protect vulnerable populations. The coming days will determine whether dialogue yields actionable plans or further disillusionment.
As night fell, Akure’s streets buzzed with debates over accountability and civic engagement. Social media amplified students’ demands, rallying national support for their cause. Observers warn that without swift interventions, Ondo risks joining regions plagued by chronic instability.
For now, the ball lies in the government’s court. Protesters have set a clear ultimatum: prioritize safety and education or face renewed unrest. The state’s response—or lack thereof—could redefine its trajectory, impacting not just students but all citizens yearning for peace.
Amid rising national insecurity, Ondo’s youth have signaled resolve, proving their voices cannot be ignored. Their courage underscores a universal truth: when leaders fail, the people rise. Whether this awakening sparks lasting change remains uncertain, but one fact is clear—the struggle for justice has only just begun.
