The Labour Party Ward 1 Chairman in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Okasime Olowojoba, remains in captivity more than three weeks after his abduction, despite his family paying a ₦5 million ransom to his kidnappers.

This revelation came to light during a mass protest by youths from the locality, who expressed anger over what they described as government abandonment and insensitivity to their plight, particularly regarding poor infrastructure and security concerns.

Hundreds of protesters blocked the busy Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Expressway to draw attention to the dilapidated condition of the road, which they claim has contributed to the rising insecurity in the area.

Paul Lawani, spokesperson for the protesters, highlighted that Olowojoba was kidnapped along a notoriously dangerous stretch of road within the Sasaro community—an area previously known for violent abductions.

"The poor condition of the road has led to a high rate of insecurity and poverty in the area. Insecurity has become a daily occurrence in the locality, causing fear and trepidation," Lawani stated.

"We want the state government to come and tell us what they plan to do about this road and the ongoing kidnappings in our area," he added.

The protesters also raised concerns about the poor state of healthcare facilities in the area, noting that none of the three general hospitals in Akoko-Edo are functioning properly. They called for the establishment of a military base in the locality to address the security challenges.

Lawani further accused the government of neglecting Akoko-Edo despite its significant contribution to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), treating the area "like a colony." Local political office holders were also criticized for their alleged insensitivity to the community's problems.

The protest caused severe traffic congestion, with travelers and heavy-duty vehicles stranded for several hours. It took the intervention of the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Adeche Saiki, who sent emissaries to persuade the protesters to clear the road.

Attempts to get a response from the state government were unsuccessful, as the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barr. Paul Ohonbamu, could not be reached by phone.

Okasime Olowojoba, who works as a realtor, was abducted on Saturday, April 26, 2025, along the Auchi–Benin–Ibillo Road while returning to Igarra from Auchi. He had gone to bring his children home ahead of school resumption on Monday, April 28, 2025.

The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the state government addresses their concerns about road infrastructure and the security situation in the area.