The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has called on the federal government and Oyo State government to act promptly and decisively in ensuring the release of victims kidnapped in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area and the school children kidnapped in Ahoro-Esinele, Ogbomoso, both in Oyo State.
The SSSG, a coalition of 14 security-relevant organisations dedicated to improving peace and security in the Southwest region, said in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, that it is deeply concerned about the ongoing abductions of innocent citizens which has increased fear and insecurity in the affected communities.
According to Daily Independent, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son were abducted at Igbope, a hamlet in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State on June 16, 2026.
The incident rocked the neighbourhood and the entire Southwest region.
The Oyo State Police Command, in the wake of the kidnap, vowed to work with other security agencies to guarantee the safe release of the victims. The victims are still held captive despite these guarantees.
The SSSG criticised the failure to achieve the release of Mrs Omowumi and her son and urged the federal and Oyo State governments to double their efforts, deploy sufficient resources and involve all relevant security agencies to rescue the victims urgently.
The group also drew attention to the worrisome scenario of the kidnapped school children in Ogbomoso, another town in Oyo state, where innocent youngsters abducted from their schools have remained in captivity since.
Kidnapping of school children is a particularly horrific crime that disrupts schooling and traumatises families and communities. “The Government must give priority to their rescue operations and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” warned the group.
The group said the latest wave of kidnappings in Igbope and Ogbomoso are indications of the wider security difficulties that the Southwest region is grappling with.
“Insecurity including kidnappings, armed robbery and communal clashes have negatively affected economic activities, education and social cohesion.
“The Southwest region desperately needs a comprehensive approach to security that includes policing by state and local government, intelligence sharing and coordination among federal, state and local authorities and private security groups.
“We specifically call on the governors of the Southwest States to partner with the SSSG and all our security apparatus at the grassroot to effectively secure our region.
The statement also said the government must address the core causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment and social marginalisation.
The SSSG includes the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society including the Agbekoya Peace Movement and Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye and Omo Oduduwa United, among others.
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