Ondo Youths Protest Alleged Raids By EFCC Operatives

Youths in Ondo State have protested the “incessant and illegal raids” by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akure, the state capital.

The protesters said they were not opposed to the commission carrying out its statutory responsibilities but condemned the alleged use of firearms and intimidating tactics during some of its operations.

The protest followed Wednesday’s EFCC operation during which sporadic gunshots were heard at the gate of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), near Ijapo Estate.

The protesters said the incident had heightened fear among the residents, noting that the manner of some EFCC operations made it difficult for the people to distinguish between the operatives and armed robbers.

Speaking during the protest, yesterday, the youth leader of Alagbaka Residents, Kudeyide Adebayo, said they had been living in fear because of repeated gunshots allegedly linked to EFCC operations.

Adebayo said the commission’s operatives should properly identify themselves during raids, stressing that the residents should not be left wondering whether armed men invading their neighbourhoods were law enforcement agents or criminals.

He said, “We have been in panic for some weeks now. Most of the time, we don’t know what is happening. We will just hear gunshots, and later hear that it is the EFCC.

‎“We are not saying they should not carry out their responsibility, but let us be able to differentiate them from armed robbers. They will just come with guns to arrest people without identification. They won’t even identify themselves.”

‎Another protester, Obafunsho Adeshina, alleged that EFCC operations had repeatedly targeted youths and resulted in the seizure of vehicles and other properties.

‎“Last year, we were in Akure when EFCC came to bust our friends’ club. The same thing happened last week. EFCC invaded the houses of our youths, carried their cars and so many things into their houses,” he said.

‎He added that Wednesday’s operation further heightened concerns among residents, alleging that “they came to Akure to destroy properties and attack our youths. They were shooting guns.”

‎The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions including “Stop The Abuse Of Power,” “Make Akure A Safe Place” and “EFCC, You Are Not Above The Law,” later marched to the Ondo State Government House to demand the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

‎The protesters blocked parts of the road around the Government House, restricting the movement of vehicles and motorcycles, but the governor was not available to receive them.

‎The governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Femi Fadairo, who addressed the protesters, said they had the right to protest but should not obstruct other road users.

‎“The protesters should conduct themselves. They have the right to protest, but they don’t have the right to disturb others from using the road, so they should protest peacefully,” he said.

‎Fadairo, however, acknowledged their concerns, saying the reported use of firearms during operations could cause panic and affect economic activities in the state.

‎“What they are protesting for is good, because if you see an agency of government shooting sporadically into the air, it’s causing panic to our dear state, and it’s affecting the economy one way or the other,” he said, assuring the protesters that their message would be conveyed to the governor.

‎The protesters later dispersed but vowed to return in larger numbers if their grievances were not addressed.