Oriire Abduction: Ogbomoso Monarchs Say Police Overwhelmed, Demand Army Base

…Families of abducted victims remain in agony days after the attack, monarchs lament

Traditional rulers in the Ogbomoso zone of Oyo State have called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a military base in Oriire Local Government Area following the recent deadly attack and abduction of pupils and teachers by suspected bandits, declaring that the police alone cannot contain the growing security threat in the area.

The monarchs made the appeal during a press conference held in response to the attack on schools in the Oriire axis, where armed men reportedly invaded communities, killed a teacher and abducted dozens of pupils and school workers into the bush.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Alapa of Apa, Oba John Akin Akintola said the worsening insecurity around forest communities in Ogbomoso and adjoining areas has become too dangerous for local residents and farmers.

According to him, the traditional rulers are demanding immediate federal intervention, including the establishment of a military formation close to the forest reserve in Oriire Local Government Area.

“We are requesting that a military base be sited very close to the forest reserve. If we have soldiers and artillery stationed there, it will provide protection for many communities in this zone,” he said.

The monarch stressed that while police officers have been making efforts, the scale and sophistication of the attacks now require military operations.

“I don’t think the police can handle this alone. If you establish only a police station, it may cover just two or three communities. But a military base will offer broader protection and help secure the entire area,” he stated.

The royal fathers warned that banditry, once associated mainly with parts of northern Nigeria, is gradually spreading into the Southwest, thereby creating fear among rural dwellers and threatening agricultural activities.

“Southwest has now been infiltrated by bandits. We do not have the capacity or the wherewithal to confront these people ourselves. That is why we are appealing to the Federal Government to act urgently,” Oba Akintola added.

The monarchs specifically appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to approve the establishment of a military base in the Ogbomoso zone, particularly around Oriire Local Government and nearby forest corridors.

According to the traditional rulers, communities in the area have suffered repeated fear and displacement following the latest attack, with many residents abandoning their homes and farmlands over insecurity concerns.

“Our people can no longer sleep peacefully. Farmers are afraid to go to their farms because of fear of attacks and abduction,” the monarch said.

The royal fathers also expressed concern over the plight of families whose loved ones are still being held captive days after the attack.

“Lives have been lost. Families are in agony and many victims are still in captivity several days after the incident,” he lamented.

They further warned that the insecurity situation could affect electoral participation in the affected communities as the country gradually approaches another election cycle.

“Election period is approaching and many of the people who are supposed to vote have already been displaced by bandits. Without adequate security, they may not even be able to participate in the democratic process,” the monarchs noted.

The traditional rulers disclosed that monarchs across the affected local governments would continue consultations and security assessments in order to support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace to the area.

They also appreciated security agencies and prominent traditional authorities for interventions so far, while urging the Federal Government to take decisive action before the situation deteriorates further.