Tension engulfed Ogbese community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Tuesday as angry youths blocked the busy Akure/Owo highway in protest over the alleged killing of a farmer by suspected gunmen.

The protesters mounted barricades on the road, halting vehicular movement for several hours and leaving commuters stranded. 

They demanded urgent intervention from the government and security agencies to safeguard lives and property in the agrarian community.

Ogbese, a boundary town in the council area, has recently witnessed a wave of attacks on farmers, heightening fear among residents whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture.

Community sources identified the deceased as Ben Daniels, who was reportedly attacked on Monday night while riding to his farm camp. His killing, residents said, has further deepened anxiety in the area, with many farmers now apprehensive about returning to their fields.

The youths said the highway blockade was meant to draw attention to what they described as persistent threats posed by armed assailants. They insisted that residents should be able to pursue lawful activities without fear of murder or abduction.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the attack was reported on March 2, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. along Agunla Farm Road.

According to him, the matter was brought to the attention of the police at approximately 9:30 p.m. by a concerned citizen.

Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the deceased and another man, James Unekwu, were riding a motorcycle to a camp when they were allegedly ambushed by unknown gunmen.

Jimoh stated that Unekwu reportedly escaped, while Daniels was killed and his body dumped by the roadside.

He added that police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, evacuated the corpse and deposited it at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the escaped victim has been placed in protective custody as investigations continue.

The police spokesman urged residents to remain calm and avoid blocking highways or engaging in actions capable of disrupting public peace, noting that such measures infringe on the rights of other road users.

He assured that the Commissioner of Police remains committed to tackling crime and ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to curb insecurity across the state.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, said the government had ordered security operatives to strengthen surveillance and clamp down on individuals or groups involved in criminal activities.

He also called on residents to volunteer credible information to security agencies, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s top priority.