Osun Obas Raise Alarm Over Rising Kidnappings in Border Communities, Demand Urgent Security Action
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Osun State Council of Obas has raised serious concerns over the growing wave of insecurity and kidnapping in border communities across the state, calling for immediate and coordinated security intervention by both state and federal authorities.
The position of the traditional rulers was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a high-level meeting convened by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, who serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Council.
The meeting, held at the Ooni’s Palace on Thursday, April 9, 2027, focused on emerging threats to peace, security, and the wellbeing of residents across various parts of the state, particularly in vulnerable border communities.
According to the Council, there has been a disturbing rise in kidnapping incidents, with specific reference to Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area, a border town adjoining Kwara and Ekiti States. The development was brought to the Council’s attention by the Asaooni of Ora-Igbomina.
The monarchs highlighted notable incidents, including the abduction of a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, on December 15, 2025, who reportedly spent one month in captivity before regaining freedom.
They also cited another case on February 1, 2025, involving the kidnapping of two residents, Sunday Oyekanmi Adeyeye and Sunday Adewumi, from their homes.
Beyond Ora-Igbomina, the Council noted that other border communities, including Ikonifin, which shares a boundary with Oyo State, are experiencing similar security challenges, thereby heightening fears over the safety of lives and property.
Describing the trend as alarming, the traditional rulers stressed the urgent need for strengthened security architecture across the affected areas.
They called on security agencies to intensify surveillance operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and deploy adequate personnel and logistics to curb the growing menace of kidnapping and related criminal activities.
The Council also appealed to both the Osun State Government and the Federal Government to provide immediate and sustained security support to vulnerable communities.
While reaffirming their commitment to supporting lawful efforts to restore peace and stability, the monarchs urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The communiqué emphasized that safeguarding lives and property remains paramount, noting that only a collective and sustained response can effectively address the escalating security challenges.
The communiqué was signed on behalf of the Council by Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, Elerinmo of Erinmo in Osun State.
