The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of kidnapped residents in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, as well as schoolchildren abducted in Ahoro-Esinele, Ogbomoso, describing the incidents as a growing threat to public safety.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the coalition expressed deep concern over the wave of abductions in parts of Oyo State, warning that the persistent insecurity has heightened fear and anxiety among residents.
The SSSG, a coalition of 14 security-related organisations, includes the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Oodua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye and Omo Oduduwa United, among others.
The group recalled that on June 16, 2026, Kuburat Omowumi and her son were abducted in Igbope, a community in Oorelope Local Government Area, and lamented that they remain in captivity despite ongoing security efforts.
It also referenced the abduction of no fewer than 42 pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, on May 15, describing the attack as one of the most disturbing incidents in the state in recent times.
The coalition criticised what it described as the slow pace of rescue operations, urging both the federal and state governments to deploy additional resources and strengthen collaboration among all relevant security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims.
According to the group, the continued captivity of the abductees has deepened insecurity in the affected communities and undermined public confidence in efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“The kidnapping of school children is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatises families and communities. The government must prioritise their rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the statement read.
The SSSG further called for sustained security measures across vulnerable communities in Oyo State to prevent future attacks, stressing that safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence should remain a top priority for authorities.
