Residents and students in Jobele, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State on Tuesday blocked the Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbomoso highway to protest rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in the area.
The protesters disrupted movement at the Jobele end of the expressway, alleging that suspected kidnappers recently attempted to abduct a woman who escaped but sustained a machete cut.
Community sources said the area had recorded at least seven kidnapping incidents in recent times, with one victim recently losing a hand after a brutal attack.
Residents also expressed anger after a suspect allegedly arrested with weapons and handed over to the police was reportedly released without explanation.
Oyo State Police spokesperson, Adewale Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police had deployed senior officers to the area to restore normalcy.
