Edo Community Denies Kidnapping Links, Cites Outsider Criminals

The Olelo Community in Edo State, Nigeria, has vehemently denied any involvement in the recent spate of kidnappings plaguing the region. Youth Coordinator Jolly Igharo, speaking on behalf of the community, stated that allegations linking them to the crimes are misleading and damaging to their reputation.

“

There is nothing linking Olelo people to kidnapping. What is happening is that outsiders are coming into our forest to perpetrate their evil acts.

Igharo explained that outsiders are exploiting the community's forests, using them as bases for criminal operations. He emphasized that the indigenes of Olelo are themselves victims of this insecurity and are not complicit in any way. "We categorically reject this false narrative. The people of Olelo are not part of it, do not support it, and have never benefited from the criminal activities of kidnappers," he asserted.

“

We categorically reject this false narrative. The people of Olelo are not part of it, do not support it, and have never benefited from the criminal activities of kidnappers.

The community leader highlighted the severe impact of the kidnappings on Olelo's predominantly farming population. "Crops now rot in fields we dare not enter. Our harvests remain inaccessible because fear has conquered our farmlands. Hunger is no longer a distant threat; it has become our daily companion," Igharo lamented.

“

On the contrary, we are among their greatest victims.

Reaffirming their peaceful nature, the community leaders appealed for protection rather than stigmatization and urged swift government intervention. They are collaborating with security agencies and neighboring towns to secure the forests and prevent their use by criminal gangs. This denial comes amid rising concerns over violent crimes in Edo North, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance in forest areas.

“

Crops now rot in fields we dare not enter. Our harvests remain inaccessible because fear has conquered our farmlands. Hunger is no longer a distant threat; it has become our daily companion.