For nearly two decades, terrorism and banditry have devastated large parts of Northern Nigeria, leaving behind a trail of mass killings, displacement, destruction of communities and widespread kidnappings for ransom. While the South-West had largely been spared from such large-scale insecurity, recent events suggest that the threat is no longer distant.
The abduction of 39 students and pupils alongside seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has sent shockwaves across Yorubaland, triggering widespread concern over the growing activities of armed criminal groups operating within the region’s forests.
The incident has sparked protests by teachers, intensified calls for urgent government intervention and renewed scrutiny of forest corridors believed to be serving as safe havens for kidnappers and terrorists across South-West states.
Oyo Forest Corridors Under Security Spotlight
In Oyo State, security concerns have increasingly focused on the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor, particularly around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), an area characterized by dense forests and difficult terrain.
The corridor has witnessed repeated incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks. Most recently, two staff members of CRIN were abducted, bringing the number of reported kidnapping incidents in the area to three within three months.
The growing insecurity has heightened fears among motorists, commuters and residents who rely on the route.
President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, described the situation as serious but cautioned against creating unnecessary panic.
According to him, several forested corridors and highways across the South-West, including sections of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, Ilesa–Ado Ekiti Road, Akure–Owo Road and parts of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, have recorded incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated security architecture involving federal agencies, state-backed security outfits, traditional rulers, hunters, vigilante groups and local communities.
Ogun Routes Identified as Vulnerable Entry Points
In Ogun State, security experts have identified several strategic routes and forest corridors as potential entry points for criminal elements.
Among the areas of concern are the Abeokuta–Imeko axis through the Iwoye Forest, the Badagry–Atan–Abeokuta–Sokoto Road corridor, the Abeokuta–Olodo–Ibadan Road and sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway around Ogunmakin village.
Authorities believe these routes require enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent infiltration by criminal gangs.
Ondo Battles Criminal Occupation of Forest Reserves
The situation appears particularly alarming in Ondo State, where reports indicate that criminal elements have established strongholds in several forests and farmlands.
Notorious hotspots include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo and Ago-Ademekun in Akure North Local Government Area.
In recent months, more than 30 farmers and travellers have reportedly been killed in attacks linked to armed herdsmen and kidnappers operating from these forests.
The insecurity has also claimed high-profile victims. The traditional ruler of Ahungha Village, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, was murdered inside his palace during a failed abduction attempt after armed men stormed the community from nearby forests.
Elsewhere in Akoko North-East, businessman Augustine Okoye was killed after being abducted alongside his wife on the Isua-Ise Akoko Road.
In response, Ondo State has intensified security operations. Commander of the state security network, Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that operatives recently arrested 32 kidnapping suspects following raids on identified criminal hideouts.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has also vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers and their sponsors, revealing that security agencies have arrested 90 suspects connected to kidnapping and related crimes.
“No sponsor or collaborator of criminal activities will be spared,” the governor warned.
Afenifere Calls for Community-Based Security Collaboration
Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government to create a legal framework that would allow credible volunteer groups, local security formations and community organisations to support efforts against terrorism and kidnapping.
National Organising Secretary of the group, Abagun Kole Omololu, said vast stretches of forests across the South-West had become operational bases for criminal gangs, making broader collaboration necessary.
He argued that properly vetted community security initiatives could complement conventional law enforcement and improve intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities.
Yoruba Council Advocates Stronger Intelligence Network
The Yoruba Council Worldwide also called for intensified surveillance of forest reserves, improved intelligence sharing among security agencies and the deployment of technology-driven security solutions.
According to Hassan, local hunters, vigilantes and community-based security initiatives possess valuable knowledge of the terrain and should be integrated into lawful security operations.
“Our people want safe roads, secure farms, peaceful communities and freedom of movement,” he said.
Experts Warn Against Vigilantism
While acknowledging the need for local participation, security analysts have cautioned against creating parallel security structures outside government control.
Political analyst and former Social Democratic Party chairman, Hon. Stephen Adewale, warned that forest security operations must remain lawful and coordinated.
“Community defence initiatives can be useful, but they must operate under proper supervision and alongside recognised security agencies. Otherwise, they risk degenerating into vigilantism and reprisal attacks,” he said.
Another political analyst, Hon. Ayo Fadaka, however, argued that South-West stakeholders should act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
He called on regional leaders and governors to take urgent measures to secure communities, forests and major transport routes from criminal infiltration.
Rising Concern Over South-West Security
The recent school abductions in Oyo State have reinforced fears that insecurity once associated largely with Northern Nigeria is gradually spreading deeper into the South-West.
With kidnappings becoming more frequent, forests increasingly serving as hideouts for criminal groups and rural communities living under constant threat, pressure is mounting on federal and state authorities to take decisive action.
For many residents, the demand is simple: safer roads, secure farmlands, protected schools and the restoration of confidence across Yorubaland.
Comments