Prominent Ogun State traditional leader, foremost Jadiara descendant, heir to the Awujale throne, and security advocate, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, has raised serious concerns over what he described as the “escalating wave of abductions” across key corridors in the Ijebu axis, warning that Ogun State risks degenerating into a safe haven for kidnappers and bandits if urgent coordinated action is not taken.
In a statement made available on Friday, 1 May, 2026, Osibogun cited recent findings by the Food and Farmers’ Rights Campaign (FFRC), which documented a disturbing pattern of kidnappings along the Ikangba/Agoro–Okun Owa axis of the old Lagos–Benin Road in Odogbolu Local Government Area.
According to FFRC’s April 27 report, the corridor, home to one of the state’s largest catfish farming clusters has witnessed recurring abductions since February 9, 2026, when Mr. Adams Omamegbe and four others were kidnapped at the Alayo Fish Farm Cluster in Agoro Town.
Subsequent incidents include the March 31 abduction of poultry farmer Adewale Amusa from Ayepe Town, and the April 24 kidnapping of retired civil servant Osidipe Olusoji, who remains in captivity.
The group also alleged that ransom payments of ₦70 million and ₦200 million were made in earlier cases, with funds reportedly delivered to Omu-Aran in Kwara State.
Describing the situation as deeply alarming, Osibogun said the pattern of attacks reflects a widening security failure across Ogun’s rural and semi-urban communities.
“The pattern is clear, and the pain is real,” he said. “From Oke Eri/Imope on the Ijebu Ode–Ibadan Expressway, to Imagbon, Itele, and Ogunmakin along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, citizens are being taken at will.”
He warned that the crisis is already developing into a food security emergency, as farmers abandon their farms out of fear of abduction.
“When farmers farm in fear, the whole state eats in fear,” Osibogun stated. “This is no longer just a security issue; it is an economic crisis.”
The FFRC had earlier cautioned that the “debilitating and pervasive insecurity situation” would persist without sustained civic and institutional intervention, while also criticizing perceived gaps in security response and governance sensitivity.
Osibogun also threw his support behind a security collaboration proposal submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Jimoh Olorundare Moshood, advocating a joint patrol strategy along the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode corridor.
The proposal, advanced by a South West–focused non-governmental organisation, recommends coordinated operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Hunters Association, and local vigilante groups.
It also proposes the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones) to enhance surveillance, with live feeds directed to the AIG’s office for real-time intelligence coordination.
According to the proposal dated April 29, the technology-driven approach is intended to strengthen ground operations with aerial monitoring support.
Osibogun described the initiative as timely and practical.
“This is the kind of thinking we need, government and citizens working hand in hand, combining manpower, technology, and local intelligence,” he said.
He urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to treat the situation as an urgent security emergency, stressing that governance must begin with the protection of lives.
“Winning elections is meaningless if the people you seek to govern are in captivity. Secure Ijebu land first,” he said.
He further called on traditional rulers and community leaders to activate inclusive, non-sectarian local security structures, while urging the Nigeria Police Force to approve and operationalize the proposed joint patrol framework.
“The time for statements alone is over. The time for coordinated action is now,” he added, calling for intensified forest clearance operations in the Agoro–Okun Owa axis and the immediate rescue of victims still in captivity.
