Traditional rulers across Ogbomoso Zone in Oyo State have strongly condemned the recent killings, abductions, and rising security threats affecting Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of members of various Traditional Councils of Obas and Chiefs drawn from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo Oluwa, Orire, and Surulere Local Government Areas.
The monarchs described the attacks, which reportedly claimed innocent lives and led to the abduction of school pupils, teachers, a vice principal, and a principal, as barbaric and unacceptable.
The council expressed deep sorrow over the killings and sympathised with the bereaved families, praying for the repose of the souls of those killed during the attacks.
The traditional rulers also acknowledged the intervention of the Soun-in-Council under the leadership of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, noting that the council had visited affected families as well as injured and abducted victims’ relatives to offer support and solidarity.
While assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the unconditional release of the abducted persons, the monarchs commended both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for their swift responses to the crisis.
They specifically appreciated the Federal Government’s commitment as conveyed through a statement by Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, as well as the visit of the Inspector General of Police and the deployment of security personnel to the affected communities.
The council also praised the intervention of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, particularly the involvement of the deputy governor and other top government officials in efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Appeal for Calm
The traditional rulers appealed to residents across the five local government areas in Ogbomoso Zone to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of security agencies.
They further called for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers to tackle insecurity in the region, warning that any monarch or community leader found collaborating with criminal elements would face legal consequences.
Calls for State Police, Military Base
The council urged the Federal Government to urgently review the vast forest reserves spanning multiple states, alleging that many of the forests had become safe havens for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
According to the monarchs, portions of the forest reserves should be ceded to state governments and adjoining communities for regulated use as part of efforts to curb criminal activities.
The traditional rulers also renewed calls for the establishment of State Police to complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force, citing overstretched manpower and growing security concerns nationwide.
In addition, the council appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the establishment of a military base in Ogbomoso Zone, preferably in Orire Local Government Area, due to its proximity to forest reserves and repeated security attacks.
They also recommended the creation of military checkpoints along border communities between Oyo and Kwara states to prevent the movement of arms and infiltration of criminal groups.
The monarchs reiterated their commitment to ensuring peace, security, and the protection of lives and property across Ogbomoso Zone, urging all stakeholders to work together towards restoring lasting peace in the affected communities.
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