The recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, along with the killing of a teacher, has intensified calls for state police and regional security outfits. Factions of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, and traditional hunters are urging the Federal Government to empower local groups to confront armed gangs in the South-West.
Last Friday, armed bandits attacked communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and other residents. Several people were reportedly killed, and one of the kidnapped teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded after a video linked to the incident surfaced online.
OPC and Activists Demand Action
Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, President of the late Dr Frederick Fasehun faction of the OPC, stated: "We cannot continue to fold our arms while bandits and terrorists invade our towns and villages to kidnap and kill at will. Enough is enough. The government must support and equip willing groups like the OPC to enter the forests and restore sanity."
The group led by the National Coordinator of the OPC, Gani Adams, condemned the killings and abductions. Adams renewed calls for state police as the only solution to address the incessant killings and kidnappings across the country. He described the invasion as a threat to the safety of children and the future of education in the region.
Adams recalled several occasions when he urged the Federal Government, South-West governors, and security agencies to take proactive measures against armed groups operating in border communities and forests. He called on security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to collaborate more effectively to restore peace and security in the South-West.
Yoruba Nation Activist Sunday Igboho
Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, urged the Federal Government and South-West governors to expedite approval for a security network aimed at removing criminal elements from forests in Yorubaland. He stated that he has completed all necessary procedures for the Iru Ekun Security Network, designed to eliminate bandits, rogue herders, and kidnappers, and is awaiting government approval.
Igboho said: "I don't want to start our strategic and effectively mapped out onslaught against these criminals without official approval from the Federal Government, South-West governors, and relevant security stakeholders. What happened in Ahoro-Esinle community and other previous security breaches are sad, unfortunate, and worrisome. My heart is with the parents of the abducted pupils and families of the slain teachers and security personnel."
He added: "We are battle-ready with our men to storm these forests and flush out marauders who have made lives miserable for our people. Our revered traditional rulers should also prevail on government authorities to speedily grant approval for the takeoff of the Iru Ekun Security Network."
Traditional Hunters Offer Assistance
Traditional hunters in Oyo State declared that they possess the capacity to tackle the security crisis in the Old Oyo National Park following the bandits' attack. However, they complained that they had not been consulted by the government or formally recognized in efforts to address insecurity.
In a joint statement, the Oluode of Ibadanland, Chief Moshood Kehinde Ege, and the Oluode of Onpetu, Chief Adebayo Amos Abiade, said: "It is unfortunate that our children and teachers are being held captive. What is more pathetic is that security agents have located their base but are unable to make the final push of the rescue operation. Traditionalists, particularly real hunters, are capable of dislodging the bandits and bringing the captives out unharmed, but the government did not invite us."
The hunters disclosed that some of their members were already assisting security agencies. "Our boys showed them the way to uncover the base of the criminals. If we are consulted, we know how to dislodge the bandits; it is our speciality, but no one has reached out to us."
Traditional Rulers Call for Military Base
Traditional rulers across the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Oriire Local Government Area to combat rising insecurity. At a security meeting, the Alapa of Apa, Oba John Akin Akintola, presented a communique stating: "The traditional rulers are demanding immediate federal intervention, including the establishment of a military formation close to the forest reserve in Oriire Local Government Area. If soldiers and military equipment are stationed there, many communities within the zone will be protected."
The monarch noted that the police cannot handle the situation alone, and a military base would provide broader security coverage. He warned that banditry, previously associated with northern Nigeria, is spreading into the South-West, threatening lives, agriculture, and rural stability.
Defence Headquarters Denies Terrorist Bases
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed reports that terrorist groups have established permanent operational bases in the South-West, insisting that the recent attack was an isolated criminal incident. Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said: "The incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region. The Armed Forces conducted a comprehensive clearance operation of the Old Oyo National Park, effectively neutralising the operational capacity of criminal elements within that corridor."
He added that current intelligence assessments do not support claims of structured terrorist bases in the South-West. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed condolences and assured that the Armed Forces are committed to securing the safe release of all abducted victims. Troops are conducting active search-and-rescue operations across forested areas in Oyo State.
Political and Religious Leaders Condemn Attacks
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity, stating that Nigeria is characterized by repeated condemnations rather than concrete action. He said: "When armed criminals are abducting schoolchildren and killing innocent citizens, the President's response remains the same tired ritual: condemn the killings, threaten that perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, and then wait for the next massacre."
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi condemned the killing of a teacher and the rape and murder of an elderly woman, describing them as evidence of worsening insecurity and moral decline. He warned that the nation is losing its collective humanity and urged accountability and urgent reforms.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) condemned the abduction and beheading of the teacher. National President Bishop Francis Wale Oke expressed disappointment with the Federal Government, stating: "Each new incident exposes the failure of government assurances on security. The blood of Mr Oyedokun cries out for justice, not platitudes."
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) also condemned the abduction, describing it as a brutal attack on education. The group called for intensified rescue efforts and a proactive strategy to tackle insecurity.
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the attack and called for intensified rescue efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.
