By Kunle Adesiyan
The recent kidnappings in Igboho, Oyo State, have once again brought to the forefront the growing insecurity confronting many communities across the state. As a resident of Oyo State, I find these developments deeply troubling, not only because of the fear they have generated among citizens, but also because they expose the increasing vulnerability of rural areas to criminal activities.
The fact that community leaders and traditional institutions have become central actors in efforts to address these concerns reflect the level of public anxiety and the growing demand for effective security intervention. Security remains the primary responsibility of government, and the foremost duty of any administration is the safeguarding of lives and property. Residents are therefore justified in demanding greater assurance that their safety is being treated as a top priority.
To be fair, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has invested resources in security infrastructure and supported initiatives such as the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed AMOTEKUN.
ALSO READ: PDP Primary: Amofin Beulah Adeoye, Two Others in Contest for Oyo Guber Ticket
However, governance must ultimately be measured by outcomes rather than expenditure. Despite these investments, incidents of kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining activities, and others with security breaches continue to occur across Oke-Ogun region of and other vulnerable areas of Oyo state.
This concern is reinforced by the assessment of retired Major General Ajibola Toogun, former Chairman of Amotekun Oyo State, who acknowledged government investment in security but maintained that procurement alone does not guarantee safety. His call for stronger operational execution, intelligence-led policing, increased patrols, and more effective deployment of personnel underscores a critical gap between investment and impact. The persistence of these security challenges suggests that the current approach requires urgent review and improvement.
The situation in Oke-Ogun region further illustrates the consequences of this security deficit. In recent weeks, local hunters were reported to have played a role in efforts to secure the release of some kidnapped victims, while subsequent reports proved otherwise regarding the treatment of some of those involved.
Similarly, following reports of kidnappings in Igboho, a meeting was held involving Sunday Igboho, Fulani community leaders and traditional rulers at the palace of the Alepata of Igboholand. Media reports and viral videos indicated that concerns over insecurity were extensively discussed and that a stern ultimatum was issued regarding the release of abducted victims.
Unconfirmed reports further suggested that some victims regained their freedom shortly thereafter, although the exact circumstances surrounding their release remain a matter for the relevant security authorities. These developments demonstrate the extent to which communities are increasingly seeking alternative responses to insecurity when they perceive existing mechanisms as insufficient.
What residents are increasingly yearning for is a more proactive, community-driven, and intelligence-based security framework. Oyo State needs a strategy that prioritizes prevention over reaction, strengthens coordination among security agencies, empowers local intelligence gathering, and ensures rapid response to emerging threats. Traditional rulers, community leaders, hunters, vigilante groups, youth organizations, and formal security institutions must be integrated into a coherent structure capable of identifying and neutralizing threats before they escalate.
This is particularly important because prolonged insecurity often breeds frustration, erodes public confidence, and may encourage self-help measures among affected communities. History has shown that when government fails to protect its citizens, the citizens will inevitably seek ways to protect themselves. Such a situation is neither desirable nor sustainable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
The people of Oyo State deserve a government that not only invests in security but delivers tangible results. The events in Igboho should serve as a wake-up call that restoring public confidence requires stronger leadership, clearer strategy, and a renewed commitment to protecting every community across the state.
