…Say region needs comprehensive security strategy
By Adeola Badru
The South-West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of victims abducted in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, and dozens of schoolchildren kidnapped in Ogbomoso, warning that the worsening security situation is heightening fear across communities.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the SSSG, an umbrella body comprising 14 security-focused organisations, expressed concern over the persistent wave of kidnappings, describing the situation as one that has deepened anxiety and insecurity in the affected areas.
The coalition includes the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye and Omo Oduduwa United, among other security organisations.
The appeal followed the abduction of Kuburat Omowumi and her son on June 16, 2026, in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It also came in the wake of the kidnapping of no fewer than 42 pupils and teachers on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, in Ogbomoso.
The SSSG criticised what it described as the inability of government and security agencies to secure the release of Omowumi and her son, urging both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deploy all necessary resources and mobilise relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
“The kidnapping of schoolchildren is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatises families and communities. The government must prioritise rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the group said.
According to the coalition, the recent incidents in Igbope and Ogbomoso underscore the broader security challenges confronting the South-West region.
“Insecurity, including kidnappings, armed robbery and communal clashes, has adversely affected economic activities, education and social cohesion.
“The South-West region is in dire need of a comprehensive security strategy that involves state and local government policing, intelligence sharing, and collaboration among federal, state and local authorities, as well as private security groups.
“We particularly implore South-West governors to collaborate with the SSSG and all grassroots security structures to effectively secure the region.
“Government must also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment and social marginalisation,” the statement added.
The group’s appeal comes amid growing concern over rising cases of kidnapping in parts of Oyo State.
The Oyo State Government and security agencies have consistently maintained that efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing, while stressing that information on the operations is being handled cautiously to avoid jeopardising the safe release of those still in captivity.
