Ibadan Chiefs Urge Governors’ Support To Combat Kidnapping Epidemic

Eko Hot Blog reports that the traditional chieftaincy title holders in Ibadan, known as Mogajis, have called for the support of South West governors in addressing the alarming increase in kidnapping incidents.

The Mogajis emphasized the necessity of a collaborative security effort that involves the governors, particularly within the Yorubaland region.

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This appeal follows recent cases of kidnapping in Oyo State and the tragic killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, raising concerns about the security situation in the South West.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Philip Aivoji, was also abducted by unknown gunmen along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

In a statement released by the President of Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, and Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Nurudeen Akinade, the chiefs expressed serious concern over the resurgence of kidnapping and criminal activities in Nigeria, especially in the South-West zone.

“The kidnappers have allegedly taken over some areas in Nigeria, particularly Yorubaland in the last few months. A few days ago, the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Philip Aivoji, was abducted by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,” the statement noted.

It continued, “Yesterday, two traditional rulers in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State were killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. The two traditional rulers were the Elesun of Esun, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, and Olumojo of Imojo, Oba Samuel Olatunji, while the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, escaped from the scene.”

Expressing their commitment to addressing the security challenges, the Mogajis called for a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving various community development groups, associations, market leaders, unions, and security agencies across the southwestern part of Nigeria.

“We implore the government to quickly, without further delay, fine-tune ways of having security synergy with all volunteers, our hunters’ associations, concerned local security networks, various security operatives, traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders in Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Yorubaland to find solutions to the issue,” the statement said.

The Mogajis acknowledged the efforts of regular security agencies, including Amotekun, and called on the government not to withdraw security agencies on highways and major roads during major events, as such withdrawals have reportedly contributed to the increase in kidnappings.

“It seems insecurity has engulfed the Yorubaland; we need to wake up before it gets out of hand,” the statement concluded.

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The plea from the Ibadan chiefs emphasizes the urgency of collaborative and proactive measures to curb the rising wave of kidnappings in the region, with a focus on involving local communities and the support of government authorities.

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