Fresh waves of deadly attacks in parts of the South West have heightened tension across the region, amid growing fears that armed terrorist groups expanding beyond the North East may have infiltrated Yorubaland.
In recent weeks, coordinated attacks involving killings, kidnappings and assaults on schools, churches and communities have been reported in Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and other parts of the region, leaving residents increasingly anxious over deteriorating security conditions.
One of the earliest incidents occurred on April 18, 2026, when heavily armed men suspected to be terrorists invaded a church during an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State. The attackers reportedly killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers before fleeing into nearby forests.
Barely a month later, on May 12, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction of three members of a family at Ipojo Golden Estate in Oke-Eri, Ijebu Ode. Security operatives have since intensified efforts to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators.
In Oyo State, police and local vigilante groups recently foiled an alleged N10 million ransom collection operation linked to a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Otefon Village Forest, Atiba Local Government Area.
The state has also witnessed several other disturbing incidents, including the abduction of a schoolgirl in the Challenge area of Ibadan and the killing of a retired teacher on his farm in the Ago area of Oke-Ogun.
Horror in Ogbomoso Schools
The situation escalated dramatically on May 15 when gunmen riding motorcycles attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; and L.A. Primary School.
During the coordinated attacks, at least two persons were reportedly killed while more than 30 students and teachers were abducted by the assailants.
Shockingly, one of the kidnapped teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the attackers. A disturbing video clip allegedly released by the terrorists showed the execution, further deepening fear and outrage across the region.
The remaining victims have now spent several days in captivity despite ongoing security operations across forest areas believed to be hideouts for the kidnappers.
Community leaders and family members say the worsening weather conditions and dense forest terrain have complicated rescue efforts, especially as some of the abducted victims are toddlers and young pupils.
Police Confirm Arrests
Reacting to the attacks, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, CSP Olayinka Olushola, confirmed that multiple suspects had been arrested in connection with the incidents.
According to him, at least eight suspects were already in custody as of Thursday, while additional arrests were made on Friday during ongoing investigations.
“We have suspects in custody, and more arrests were made yesterday in respect to the incident. Investigations are ongoing and the suspects are currently being profiled to determine their level of involvement,” he said.
Fear Spreads to Lagos
The wave of attacks has reportedly triggered heightened security measures in Lagos State, particularly around schools, worship centres and other public places.
Residents expressed fears that the insecurity ravaging parts of Oyo and neighbouring states could spread into Nigeria’s commercial capital.
A Lagos resident, Monica Agwu, said many residents are now living in fear over the safety of their families.
“Oyo is very close to Lagos. If these attacks are happening there, then nobody can confidently say Lagos is completely safe. Parents are worried because after struggling to survive and pay school fees, there is still fear over the safety of their children,” she said.
Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), also raised concerns in a viral video shared on social media, alleging that criminal elements may already be operating around Lagos.
“They are already close. If they are attacking in Oyo, then they are likely already in Lagos too. The authorities may not want to admit it, but people need to stay alert,” he said.
However, the Lagos State Police Command assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Ambimbola, stated that security agencies remained vigilant and proactive in preventing any possible threats within the state.
State Police Debate Resurfaces
The worsening insecurity has once again reignited calls for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
Security analyst Stanley Abiodun argued that localized policing remains the most effective solution to Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis.
According to him, officers familiar with the language, terrain and local communities would be better positioned to detect and combat criminal movements.
“It is not that the government does not know what to do. The challenge is the politicization of critical national issues. If state police had been established years ago, we would likely not be facing this level of insecurity today,” he said.
Abiodun added that locally controlled security structures would improve intelligence gathering and help prevent armed groups from moving freely across regions unnoticed.
“The security agencies are struggling to contain the migration of criminal groups from one state to another. Community-based policing will make it easier to identify suspicious movements and strangers operating within local areas,” he added.
The recent attacks have continued to fuel anxiety across the South West, with many residents calling for urgent and decisive action from both federal and state authorities to prevent further bloodshed.
Comments