Youths in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, on Wednesday, accused the State Government of alleged abandonment and insensitivity to their plights in the area of infrastructural development and security of lives and property.

They expressed displeasure with the condition of roads in the state, particularly in the Akoko-Edo axis.

The protesters noted that despite contributing meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Edo, the state government has allegedly continued to treat them like slaves.

The angry youths, in their hundreds, stated this during a peaceful protest at the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo highway to register their displeasure over the dilapidated state of the road.

According to the people, the worsening condition of the road has led to a high rate of insecurity and poverty in the area, alleging that insecurity has become a daily occurrence in the locality.

The protesters also took a swipe at political office holders from the locality for allegedly being insensitive to their plights.

They lamented that a Chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in the area, Okasime Olowojoba, abducted along the road weeks ago, has yet to regain his freedom.

One of the protesters, who identified himself as Paul Lawani, while speaking to newsmen, lamented that they were being treated like slaves by the state government following the abandonment of the road.

He said: “Akoko-Edo Local Government Area has three general hospitals and none is functioning well.

“As of today, Akoko-Edo is ripe for a military base, yet we have these bases in areas that may not necessarily need them.

“Is the state government not aware that one of the reasons for this kidnapping is because of this bad road? Instead of fixing the road, they are mouthing Tinubu for 2027.

“We also want the state government to come and tell us what they want to do about this road and kidnapping in our area.

“One of our brothers has been with the kidnappers for almost one month. They have collected money in millions, and they are yet to release him.”

The protesters vowed to continue the protest until the state government gives attention to their demands.