Southwest Security Groups Push FG, Oyo State for Urgent Action on Kidnappings

The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has issued a strong appeal to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, urging them to take immediate and decisive steps. Their call is focused on ensuring the safe release of kidnap victims in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, and the abducted students in Ahoro-Esinele, Ogbomoso, both situated in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the SSSG, which comprises 14 security-focused organizations, voiced profound concern over the persistent abductions of citizens. This trend, they noted, has significantly escalated fear and insecurity across the affected communities. The diverse coalition includes prominent groups such as the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), the Agbekoya Society (encompassing the Agbekoya Peace Movement and Agbekoya Solidarity Movement), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, and Omo Oduduwa United, among others.

It is important to recall the abduction of Kuburat Omowumi and her son on June 16, 2026, in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area. Similarly, on May 15, a staggering 42 pupils and teachers were kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. The SSSG’s statement specifically condemned the perceived failure of government and security agencies to secure the release of Omowumi and her son. They implored both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to intensify their efforts, allocate sufficient resources, and engage all relevant security apparatus to rescue the victims without delay.

“The kidnapping of school children is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatises families and communities. The government must prioritise their rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the statement emphasized.

The group further highlighted that the recent surge in kidnappings across Igbope and Ogbomoso is indicative of broader security challenges plaguing the entire Southwest region. They elaborated, stating, “Insecurity, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and communal clashes, has adversely affected economic activities, education, and social cohesion.”

According to the SSSG, the Southwest region is in urgent need of a comprehensive security framework. This strategy, they believe, should incorporate state and local government policing, robust intelligence sharing, and active collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities, as well as private security groups. They specifically urged Southwest State governors to partner with the SSSG and its grassroots security networks to effectively safeguard the region. Moreover, the group stressed the necessity for government to tackle the underlying causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalization.

Amidst the escalating concerns surrounding these abduction incidents, the Oyo State Government and various security agencies have consistently affirmed their ongoing rescue operations. They have also indicated a cautious approach to information dissemination, citing the need to avoid jeopardizing the lives of those abducted.