The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks and abductions in four villages within Oyo State. In a statement issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch called on the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive approach to intelligence gathering and indigenous security mechanisms to address the growing insecurity in the country.
Call for Proactive Security Measures
Oba Owoade urged the government to move away from reactive security strategies and instead invest in credible intelligence capabilities that can identify threats before they materialize. He emphasized the need to harden soft targets such as schools and communities, disrupt the financial and logistical networks supporting criminal groups, and build trust with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering. The monarch stressed that treating communities as collateral damage in airstrikes is counterproductive.
Details of the Attacks
The attacks occurred in the villages of Ahoro-Esinele, Alawusa, Yawota, and Oniya, located within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Last Friday, bandits attacked the Esinele School, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, the burning of a car, and the abduction of 42 pupils and a teacher. The victims were taken into the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
Concerns Over Rising Insecurity
The Alaafin expressed deep concern over the escalating level of insecurity, describing the abductions and destruction of lives as intolerable. He noted that Nigerians are increasingly apprehensive about the flagrant disregard for human life. Oba Owoade stated, “The country is going through serious security challenges, and what is more disturbing is that these blood guzzlers cannot have such sophisticated and destructive weapons to terrorize without receiving backing from some allies somewhere.”
Impact on Society
The monarch highlighted the broader consequences of insecurity, including loss of trust in government, inter-communal breakdown, and lasting psychological trauma on citizens. He said, “Threats to human lives are not only serious acts of terrorism but indeed an abomination. This is why well-meaning Nigerians and good friends of the country must see the current war against the dreaded terrorists as a welcome development and give total support to save the country from the siege of terrorism.”
Political Solution Needed
Oba Owoade emphasized that the ultimate solution to insecurity is more political than military. He called on the government, political leaders, and citizens to have the courage to address the root causes of insecurity, which are underpinned by criminality and insurgency. He also noted that the most tragic consequence of insecurity is the loss of human lives and the mass displacement of populations, creating an internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis and tearing families apart.
Support for Government Efforts
The Alaafin commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating through actions that ending insecurity is a foremost concern of his administration. He urged the Federal Government to carry out a total overhaul of the country’s security architecture. Oba Owoade commiserated with the families of the victims and assured them that the government is on top of the situation, with perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Security Deployment and Donation
In response to the attacks, a combined team of police and local security operatives has been deployed to the affected villages and the forest. Additionally, the Alaafin has donated an undisclosed sum of money to complement government efforts to apprehend the terrorists and support the victims.
