Old Oyo Forest Reserve Transforms into Bandit Hideout, Stakeholders Sound Alarm
Key stakeholders in Kishi, Oyo State have issued a stark warning about escalating security threats emanating from armed gangs, locally referred to as bandits, who have established a stronghold within the Old Oyo forest reserve. This alarming development was exclusively discussed during an emergency meeting held in Kishi town on Sunday, February 22, as community leaders and government officials convened to address the rising tide of banditry and insecurity plaguing the region.
Emergency Meeting Reveals Grave Security Concerns
The critical stakeholders' meeting, which took place at the residence of Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, brought together prominent figures including Prof. Solihu Adelabu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Establishment and Training; Taoheed Olayiwola, Chairman of Irepo Local Government Area; a representative of Oba Masoud Aweda Arowoduye II; as well as personnel from the National Park Service of Nigeria and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The gathering was prompted by disturbing rumors of a kidnapping at Kishi Nursing College, though these were later confirmed to be false.
Participants unanimously agreed that the presence of bandits inside the Old Oyo National Park represents a severe threat to the security of Nigeria's entire southwest region. A communiqué obtained exclusively from the meeting detailed specific concerns about market centers in Oko Oba, Adagbangba, Budo Sabi, Sabo Medina, and other areas within Irepo Local Government Area. While these markets serve as vital economic hubs, stakeholders warned they could inadvertently attract bandits if the activities of sellers and buyers are not properly monitored and regulated.
Forest Reserve Becomes Bandit Sanctuary
The Old Oyo Forest Reserve, situated between Kishi and Igbeti, has reportedly been transformed into a sanctuary for bandits due to the continuous issuance of illegal permits to Fulani herders who openly graze their cattle within the protected area. Stakeholders expressed grave concern that nocturnal hunting expeditions across the local government area could be exploited as pathways for bandit activities, while the unchecked operations of illegal miners within local mining sites could potentially fuel banditry beyond current levels.
"Experiences in Nigeria's northeast and west regions have confirmed these claims," the communiqué stated, highlighting how similar patterns of insecurity have unfolded in other parts of the country. The stakeholders emphasized that proactive measures must be implemented immediately to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, drawing parallels with recent tragic events in neighboring Kwara State.
Kwara Communities Under Terror Attack
In early February, terrorists launched a devastating attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people. Many stakeholders have noted the geographical proximity between Woro and Kishi's Irepo Local Government Area, raising concerns that similar tragedies could unfold in Oyo State if decisive action is not taken.
Following the Woro massacre, President Bola Tinubu announced the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State, launching Operation Savannah Shield to combat what he described as "cowardly and barbaric" attacks targeting defenseless villagers. Despite these measures, reports continue to emerge of terrorists invading Kwara communities, including an alleged invasion of Gbugbu community in Edu Local Government Area on Sunday, February 22, and an earlier attack on Share community in Ifelodun Local Government Area on February 15.
Cross-Border Bandit Operations
The security situation in Oyo State has been further complicated by cross-border bandit operations, as evidenced by the recent killing of five National Park Service forest guard officers in Oloka Village. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the incident as a devastating loss of lives, with preliminary investigations by security agencies indicating the attack was carried out by bandits operating across state boundaries.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating insecurity, the transformation of the Old Oyo Forest Reserve into a bandit hideout represents a critical challenge for security forces and community leaders alike. The stakeholders' meeting in Kishi has sounded a clear alarm about the urgent need for coordinated action to secure vulnerable communities and prevent the further spread of terrorism in Africa's most populous nation.
