‎Traditional Rulers Decry Insecurity in Ora-Igbomina

‎Traditional Rulers Decry Insecurity in Ora-Igbomina
‎ Calls for Military Camp
‎ Demand Stronger Security as Kidnappings Persist

‎Traditional rulers under the Network of Kings from the Osun Countryside have condemned the renewed wave of kidnappings in Ora-Igbomina, a border community linking Osun, Kwara and Ekiti states.

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‎Eko Hot Blog reports that the monarchs described the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that the growing insecurity poses serious threats to residents and traditional institutions in the area.

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‎Their position was contained in a joint statement signed by the President of the network, Oba Dr Adewale Ojarotade, the Alaa of Ila Ijesa; the Secretary, Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, the Olukotun of Ikotun; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Oba.

‎The statement followed a condolence and solidarity visit by the royal delegation to the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, and members of the community after recent attacks by suspected armed bandits.

‎According to the monarchs, the infiltration of criminal elements through border towns connecting Kwara and Ekiti has worsened insecurity in Ora Igbomina and neighbouring communities.

They stressed that settlements along interstate boundaries have become increasingly vulnerable and require urgent, coordinated security intervention.

‎During the visit, Oba Ojarotade acknowledged the efforts of the Osun State Government and security agencies working towards securing the release of two residents still in captivity. However, he called for more proactive and preventive strategies.

‎Traditional Rulers Decry Insecurity in Ora-Igbomina

‎He said rural and border communities require sustained security presence and intelligence-driven operations to prevent further attacks.

‎Oba Okunoye also raised concerns about possible internal compromise within ongoing rescue operations.

He suggested that the activities of the joint rescue team, comprising the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Police, Department of State Services, Forest Guards and local vigilantes, could be undermined by information leaks. He called for thorough internal scrutiny to block leakages and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

‎In his remarks, Oba Adekanmi Abikoye said the community had suffered two attacks within three months due to its border location. He appealed to authorities to establish a military camp in the area to reinforce security and deter criminal elements.

‎He disclosed that Emmanuel Owolabi, a retired Customs officer abducted on his farmland in December 2025, regained freedom after about a month in captivity. However, two commercial farmers kidnapped from their homes in February 2026 remain in captivity.

‎The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and security agencies to enhance safety and restore stability in rural communities across Osun State and neighbouring regions.