The Network of Kings from the Osun Countryside has condemned the recurring cases of abduction in Ora Igbomina, a border community between Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti states, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
The royal body made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its President, Oba Dr. Adewale Ojarotade, the Alaa of Ila-Ijesa; the Secretary, Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, the Olukotun of Ikotun; and the Board of Trustees Chairman, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Oba. The statement was issued shortly after the monarchs paid a sympathy visit to Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, and members of his community.
The traditional rulers expressed concern over what they described as the infiltration of armed bandits from neighboring border communities in Kwara and Ekiti states. They noted that the security challenges pose serious threats to residents of border towns and surrounding communities.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Network, Oba Dr. Adewale Ojarotade, commended the Osun State Government for efforts made so far toward securing the release of two victims currently in captivity. However, he called for more proactive and preventive security measures at the grassroots level to curb further occurrences.
Corroborating his position, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Oba, raised concerns about possible sabotage, alleging that the efforts of the joint rescue team—comprising the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Forest Guards, Police, local vigilantes, and the Department of State Services (DSS)—may be undermined by suspected informants.
In his remarks, Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, recounted the ordeal faced by his community. He lamented that the town had suffered two separate bandit attacks within three months, attributing the incidents to its vulnerability as a border community. He appealed for the establishment of a military camp in the area to strengthen security presence.
According to the monarch, Prince Titilayo Owolabi, a retired Customs officer who was abducted on his farmland on December 15, 2026, regained his freedom after spending about a month in captivity. However, two commercial farmers, Mr. Sunday Adeyeye and Mr. Sunday Adewumi, who were abducted from their homes on February 1, are yet to be released.
Members of the delegation led by Oba Dr. Ojarotade included Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, the Olukotun of Ikotun; Oba Samuel Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Edigbon of Èdéwùsì Ila Orangun; Oba Sikiru Olagbaju Akintola, the Oluibeji of Bolorunduri-Ife; and Oba Bamidele Olufemi, the Owa Akinfin of Ikifin.
The Network reiterated its call for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard lives and property in border communities across Osun State.
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