Rising incidents of kidnapping and violent crimes across parts of South-West Nigeria have triggered fresh concerns over the use of forests and remote corridors by criminal groups, following years of insecurity largely associated with Northern Nigeria.
The concerns intensified after the abduction of 39 pupils and students alongside seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has sparked widespread anxiety across Yorubaland, with teachers embarking on strikes and protests while various groups continue to demand the safe return of the victims.
Oyo Forest Corridor Raises Alarm
Attention has increasingly focused on the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor in Oyo State, particularly around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), which security observers have described as a vulnerable area due to its dense forests and difficult terrain.
The area has witnessed a series of kidnapping incidents in recent months. Last month alone, two CRIN staff members were abducted, bringing the number of reported kidnappings in the corridor to three within a three-month period.
The recurring attacks have prompted calls for enhanced security deployment and coordinated efforts to secure the route and surrounding communities.
Speaking on the development, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, stressed that the protection of lives and property across Yorubaland remains a priority for traditional rulers, security agencies and community leaders.
He cautioned against dismissing reports of criminal activities in forests and along highways while also urging the public to avoid unnecessary panic.
According to him, areas that have repeatedly featured in security reports include the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road, Ilesa-Ado Ekiti Road, Akure-Owo Road and sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Hassan noted that forests across Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states have been linked to kidnapping operations and other criminal activities.
He, however, emphasized that security agencies remain best positioned to determine whether the groups involved should be classified as terrorists or criminal gangs based on intelligence and available evidence.
Ogun Forest Routes Identified as Vulnerable
In Ogun State, security experts have highlighted several routes believed to be susceptible to infiltration by criminal elements.
Among them are the Abeokuta-Imeko corridor through the Iwoye Forest, the Badagry-Atan-Abeokuta-Sokoto road axis and the Abeokuta-Olodo-Ibadan route.
Stakeholders have also expressed concern over portions of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly around Ogunmakin and adjoining forests, where criminals are suspected to exploit the terrain to evade detection.
Ondo Forest Reserves Face Growing Security Challenges
Ondo State has emerged as one of the areas facing significant security concerns, with reports indicating that criminal elements have infiltrated several forest reserves and farmlands.
Authorities identified at least 16 farmlands and forest locations that have become security flashpoints, particularly within Akure North Local Government Area.
Areas such as Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo and Ago-Ademekun have recorded repeated attacks, leading to the deaths of farmers and travellers as well as the displacement of several farming communities.
Security reports indicate that more than 30 people have been killed in attacks linked to criminal activities within these forests.
The region has also witnessed high-profile incidents, including the killing of the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in Akure North, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, during an attempted abduction at his palace.
In another incident, businessman Augustine Okoye was reportedly killed after he and his wife were abducted along the Isua-Ise Akoko Road in Akoko North East Local Government Area.
Amotekun Intensifies Operations
To tackle the growing threat, security agencies have intensified operations across forest reserves and remote communities.
A government official disclosed that military personnel have been deployed to the Ala axis of Akure North to secure farmlands and prevent criminals from using the forests as operational bases.
The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that security operatives have launched extensive operations targeting criminal hideouts.
According to him, additional personnel were mobilised from neighbouring local governments to support ongoing operations.
Adeleye revealed that 32 suspected kidnappers were arrested within the last week and are currently undergoing interrogation.
He assured residents that security agencies remain committed to flushing criminals out of forest reserves and restoring safety across the state.
Aiyedatiwa Promises Tough Action
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to take decisive action against kidnappers and anyone found supporting criminal activities.
The governor warned that sponsors, collaborators and financiers of crime would face prosecution regardless of their status or influence.
He expressed concern over the increasing frequency of kidnappings in some communities, noting that one area recorded three separate abduction cases within two months.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that security agencies have arrested about 90 suspects linked to kidnapping and related crimes across the state, adding that several of those apprehended have already made confessional statements.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security operations and ensuring that criminal groups no longer find safe havens within Ondo State and the wider South-West region.
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