Traditional rulers in Osun State have called for immediate government intervention following a surge in kidnapping incidents across several communities, particularly in border areas.
The appeal was made by the Osun State Council of Obas after deliberations on worsening security challenges affecting residents in different parts of the state.
The meeting, convened at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, brought together monarchs to assess the growing threat posed by abductions.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Council warned that kidnapping activities were becoming increasingly frequent and alarming.
The statement, signed by the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesha, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, highlighted specific incidents that have heightened fears among residents.
According to the monarchs, “communities such as Ora-Igbomina in Ifedayo Local Government Area have witnessed a troubling rise in abductions.”
They cited the case of a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, who was kidnapped in December 2025 and reportedly held for about a month before regaining his freedom.
The Council also referenced another incident in February 2025, when two individuals, Sunday Oyekanmi Adeyeye and Sunday Adewumi, were abducted from their residences.
Similar security concerns were reported in Ikonifin, a border community near Oyo State, where residents have also experienced kidnapping threats.
The monarchs stressed that the pattern of attacks in boundary communities suggests a need for strengthened security coordination across neighbouring states.
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing rate of abductions in our communities, especially in border areas,” the communiqué stated.
They urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and deploy adequate personnel to vulnerable locations.
The Council called on both the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to implement proactive measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
While reaffirming their support for lawful security operations, the traditional rulers appealed to residents to remain vigilant and assist authorities with credible information to curb the menace.
