Southwest security groups press FG, Oyo over abductions

A coalition of Southwest security organizations has issued an urgent appeal to the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, demanding decisive action to secure the release of kidnapped individuals. The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), comprising 14 security-focused organizations, expressed deep concern over the escalating abductions, which have heightened fear and insecurity across affected communities.

The SSSG specifically pointed to the ongoing plight of Kuburat Omowumi and her son, abducted on June 16, 2026, in Igbope, Oyo State. Additionally, the group highlighted the kidnapping of 42 pupils and teachers on May 15 from schools in Ogbomoso, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School.

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The kidnapping of school children is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatizes families and communities. The government must prioritise their rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur.

In a statement released on Thursday, the SSSG condemned the perceived failure of government and security agencies to secure the release of the Omowumi family. They urged intensified efforts, adequate resource deployment, and collaboration among all relevant security agencies for the immediate rescue of all victims. The group stressed that the kidnapping of school children is a particularly heinous crime that disrupts education and traumatizes families and communities, demanding that their rescue be prioritized.

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Insecurity, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and communal clashes, has adversely affected economic activities, education, and social cohesion. The Southwest region is in dire need of a comprehensive security strategy that involves state and local government policing, intelligence sharing, and collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities, and private security groups.

The statement further noted that these recent kidnappings in Igbope and Ogbomoso reflect broader security challenges plaguing the Southwest region. The SSSG argued that insecurity, encompassing kidnappings, armed robbery, and communal clashes, has severely impacted economic activities, education, and social cohesion. They called for a comprehensive security strategy that integrates state and local policing, enhances intelligence sharing, and fosters collaboration between federal, state, local authorities, and private security groups.

The SSSG implored Southwest State governors to partner with the group and grassroots security apparatus to effectively secure the region. They also emphasized the need for the government to address the underlying causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalization, to achieve lasting peace and stability.

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We particularly implore the Southwest State governors to collaborate with the SSSG and all our security apparatus at the grassroots to effectively secure our region. Government must also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social marginalisation.