Kidnapping: Òkè-Ògùn Condemns Fulani Group’s Call for Tinubu, Makinde to Restrain Igboho

The Advocacy for Òkè-Ògùn Zone Advancement (AOZA) has faulted a call by a Fulani socio-cultural group urging President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and other South-West governors to caution Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his recent comments on insecurity in Oyo State.

AOZA, speaking on behalf of elders, traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders in the Oke-Ogun region, argued that the focus should remain on tackling kidnapping and violent crimes rather than criticising reactions to the worsening security situation in the area.

In a statement signed on Sunday by public affairs commentator and institutional strategist, David Alani Ige, the group described the call for Igboho to be restrained as an attempt to divert attention from the real challenge confronting communities in the Igboho and Oorelope axis.

The statement was a response to an earlier position by the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, which had urged President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and other South-West governors to caution Igboho over what it described as inflammatory remarks against Fulani communities following recent abductions in Oyo State.

AOZA said it found it disturbing that groups which remained silent when residents were kidnapped had become vocal when local communities demanded urgent action.

“As a community, we find it deeply troubling and structurally hypocritical that when criminal elements infiltrate our ancestral forests, kidnap pregnant women, children and local farmers, these socio-cultural groups remain completely mute,” the statement said.

The group maintained that the major security concern in Oke-Ogun was the alleged presence of criminal elements operating from forests across the region, insisting that efforts should be directed at confronting insecurity rather than debating the ultimatum issued by Igboho.

According to AOZA, the recent warning issued by the activist was a reaction to repeated cases of kidnapping and not an attack on law-abiding residents.

“The security threat is the cause; the ultimatum is a reaction,” the group stated, adding that criticism of those demanding the rescue of abducted residents while ignoring the crimes committed against them amounted to shielding criminal elements.

The organisation also expressed support for ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of kidnapped victims, including those recently abducted in the Igboho area.

It specifically acknowledged the operations being coordinated by the Oyo State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, as well as the intervention of Oorelope Local Government authorities.

While commending the efforts already being made, AOZA urged security agencies to intensify operations in forests across the Oke-Ogun zone and strengthen intelligence gathering to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.

The group further called for investigations into the logistics and support systems allegedly aiding kidnappers and other criminal elements.

It argued that genuine advocates of peaceful coexistence should assist security agencies in identifying and exposing criminals rather than engaging in ethnic disputes.

“If any external group truly desires peace and harmonious cohabitation in Oyo State, their primary assignment should be inside the forests, identifying, exposing and flushing out criminal elements within their ranks,” the statement added.

AOZA also appealed to President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, local government authorities and security agencies, including the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, immigration authorities, forest guards and the Amotekun Corps, to sustain coordinated operations aimed at securing communities in Oke-Ogun.

The group said residents would continue to support lawful security measures to protect lives, farmlands and local communities from criminal attacks.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened tension following the abduction of residents in the Igboho area and the subsequent ultimatum issued by Igboho to community leaders over the release of those still being held captive.