Terror: Fear grips South-West as farmers, travellers, others targeted

2026-03-15 - 04:57

By Dayo Johnson, Shina Abubakar, Deola Badru & Rotimi Ojomoyela The growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s South-West region has become a major source of concern for residents, community leaders and security experts. States such as Ondo, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the country, are now witnessing a disturbing rise in kidnappings, armed attacks and killings. In many rural communities and along major highways, residents now live in constant fear as criminal gangs exploit forests and remote areas to carry out violent operations. The situation has heightened anxiety among farmers, travellers and residents who increasingly feel unsafe in their own communities. Specifically, the region has seen a sharp rise in insecurity over the past two months, with 32 reported attacks across affected states. Farmers Innocent people are being abducted or killed by armed gunmen. In some communities, farmers have abandoned their farmlands while travellers avoid certain roads for fear of falling victim to kidnappers. The violence has not spared community leaders and traditional institutions, as even traditional rulers have been targeted and murdered by armed attackers. Such incidents have further deepened the sense of insecurity across the region and raised serious concerns about the safety of lives and property. Escalation Amid the growing crisis, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over what it described as the increasing influx of terrorists and bandits into the South-West from the northern part of the country. Recently, the group warned that the region is gradually coming under pressure as criminal groups move into forests and border communities to establish operational bases for kidnappings and violent attacks. According to the organisation, the rising incidents of abduction and attacks on communities indicate a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region. The worsening security situation has also sparked public outrage in several communities, particularly in Ondo State where residents have staged protests against the rising wave of kidnappings. In Akure North Local Government Area, angry youths and community members recently blocked a major highway to protest repeated attacks and abductions in their area. The protesters expressed frustration over the continued threat posed by armed criminals and called on the authorities to take urgent steps to protect residents. Findings by Sunday Vanguard across the states showed how alarming the situation has become, especially in rural areas. ONDO: Kidnappings, attacks escalate Ondo State is reeling from a wave of insecurity, with kidnappings, attacks, and killings leaving residents in fear. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to tackle the menace, announcing measures like a nighttime motorcycle ban. Security forces have arrested over 160 suspects, but concerns persist as ransom payments continue to fuel the crisis. The situation in the state has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding increased security measures to protect lives and property. Recent attacks have also led to the closure of schools, as anxious parents rush to withdraw their children from areas deemed unsafe. The impact on farming communities has been particularly severe, with many abandoning their lands for fear of being attacked or kidnapped. The state’s security agencies have been criticized for their response to the crisis, with some accusing them of being slow to react to distress calls. However, the police and Amotekun security outfit have reportedly made significant arrests, including 18 suspected kidnappers. The Aiyedatiwa administration has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that no sponsor or collaborator will be spared. Bandits Farmers from Akure North to the Akoko councils and parts of Owo Council Area now approach their farmlands with caution. Their wives and daughters have abandoned farmwork for fear of being raped by rampaging herders and gunmen. Residents now do vigilante patrols while travellers on highways journey with their eyes wide open. Some major incidents include the attack by armed bandits numbering between 20 and 30 on motorcycles on December 31, 2025, on the Divisional Police Station in Ipele, Owo council area of the state. They bombed the station with explosives. Reports had it that the suspected gunmen invaded the station with the intention of freeing some of their members detained by the police at the facility, Also, the abduction of six church worshippers, including a pregnant woman and a mentally challenged man, by suspected herders at the Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Council Area of the state, during early morning service. Their abductors demanded for N100million ransom. They were released after a week after the payment of ransom by their families, 11 suspects were later arrested by the police. Traditional ruler Another incident was the gruesome murder of the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North council area of the state, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, inside his palace by 10 gunmen and in the presence of his wife, Veronica, and daughter, Folayemi. They initially attempted to abduct him but when they failed, bullets were pumped into him. When it didn’t penetrate, they clubbed him to death. While his wife and daughter described the incident as their worse nightmare, the Oba’s killing sparked outrage and has left the community in shock. No arrest has been made by the security agencies since the ugly incident occurred on February 18, this year. Also, suspected gunmen invaded Ogunti camp, a farming settlement in the Pelepe area of Akure South Council Area, and abducted a housewife, shot her husband, Adesida Daniel. The armed men stormed the community late in the night and opened fire to scare residents, forcing many farmers to scamper for safety. Also, the abduction and shooting of the council secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area, LCDA, under Akoko North West Council Area, Joseph Aladesuyi, and two others, at a poultry farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo, Akure North Council Area, however, sparked off a recent protest. Protest Reports had it that the gunmen invaded the community near Akure Airport and fired gunshots, throwing the community into panic and leading to the hurried closure of schools in the area. The development led to anxious parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children as rumours of insecurity spread quickly across the communities. Attack Suspected gunmen also attacked workers at a site in the Eleyewo area of Akure, ambushing four men and attempting to abduct them. Two of the victims were rescued by security operatives following a distress call, while the others escaped into the surrounding bush during the confusion. Another attack shook the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area. At about 8:00 p.m. along Liberty Avenue, armed men ambushed residents as they drove into their compound. The attackers fired several shots that punctured the tyres and fuel tank of a vehicle before abducting a primary school proprietress, Oladeinde Tomilola, one of the occupants. Two of her neighbours who attempted to intervene were shot, one in the head and another in the stomach, while an 11-year-old girl also sustained injuries during the attack. This attack triggered outrage within the community as the youths and community leaders in anger, blocked the Akure Airport–Owo Expressway, demanding stronger security presence and the establishment of a permanent military checkpoint in the area. A popular youth leader in Isua Akoko, Ojo Abbey, widely known as “Obesere,” was also abducted along the road linking Ibilo in Edo State to Isua Akoko. He was returning home when armed men intercepted him and dragged him into the forest. His lifeless body was discovered in a forest near lgara, Edo State, by the community youths and hunters who launched search operations. Herders Angry youths and residents of three communities: Ilu Abo, Kajola and Owode took to the street and blocked the Akure-Owo highway with the corpses of two kidnapped victims. Their protest followed a fresh kidnap attack in which two persons were shot dead and three others abducted by armed gunmen The protest came barely 24 hours after the abduction of Joseph Aladesuyi, the council secretary and two others on his farm in Ilu-Abo community, near the Akure Airport. At a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in the state, where security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom, were discussed, Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over rising incidents of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping cases within the last two months, a development he described as worrisome. Consequently, the state government has announced the ban on the operations of motorcycles at night, and prohibition of cart pushing in major areas among other security measures across the state. OSUN: Border communities In Osun State, border communities, especially those around Osun/Kwara borders, are living in fear. The fallout of insecurity in Kwara State is responsible for the situation. Villages that were known to be peaceful are now being attacked by terrorists. For example, unknown gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina community twice recently, kidnapping residents on two different occasions. The gunmen, whose identities were unknown during the first attack in January, kidnapped a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state. Another resident, a farmer, was also killed. The kidnapped victim was released after three weeks and payment of ransom to his kidnappers. In February this year, the men of the underworld returned to the same Ora community, which is located on the Osun-Kwara boundary and kidnapped two residents, Tayese Adeyeye, and Sunday Adewumi. In view of these happenings, the state government held several security meetings, where it was agreed that the border security should be strengthened. Governor Ademola Adeleke, after a security council meeting, said his administration would work with all security operatives to tighten security at border towns to curb the spreading insecurity in Kwara State from affecting Osun. OYO: Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso Rising cases of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, have become a growing concern across parts of Oyo State, with residents of several communities expressing fears over their safety. Areas considered most vulnerable include Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and some parts of Ogbomoso. Suspected criminal elements have reportedly taken advantage of isolated routes and forested areas to carry out abductions. Investigation by Sunday Vanguard revealed that in the last one month alone, no fewer than 15 persons were kidnapped in different parts of the state. However, security agencies, particularly the police, were able to rescue the victims through coordinated operations carried out across the affected areas. The incidents have heightened anxiety among residents, farmers and travellers who frequently ply rural roads linking communities in the state. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security presence, especially in remote areas where kidnappers often operate. Victims In an interview with our correspondent, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya, retd, said the state government has intensified efforts to tackle the security challenges through improved collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders. According to him, government has continued to provide support to security agencies, strengthen intelligence gathering and deploy additional personnel to vulnerable communities in order to prevent further incidents. “Security is a priority for the Oyo State government. The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has continued to invest in security architecture, support law enforcement agencies and strengthen intelligence networks to ensure that residents are safe,” he said. Odukoya added that the recent rescue of kidnapped victims by the police demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaboration between the government and security agencies in combating criminal activities across the state. Amotekun Also speaking, the Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, retd, said the corps has intensified surveillance operations in rural communities and forest areas where kidnappers are believed to operate. He said the corps has continued to work closely with the police, the military and local vigilante groups to prevent criminal elements from establishing hideouts in forests and border communities across Oyo State. “We have increased patrols and intelligence gathering across vulnerable locations, particularly in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and parts of Ogbomoso. “Our operatives are working with other security agencies and local communities to ensure that criminal elements are flushed out,” Olayinka added. OGUN: Kidnapping Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s major economic and industrial hubs in the South-West, has recently witnessed an increase in security challenges, particularly kidnapping for ransom and attacks on rural communities. In the last two months, several incidents reported across different parts of the state have heightened fears among residents, farmers and business operators. The incidents reflect a broader pattern of rising insecurity in parts of the South-West, where criminal gangs appear to be exploiting rural terrain, forests and poorly monitored highways to carry out attacks. One of the most widely reported incidents occurred on February 9, 2026, at the Alayo Fish Farm Cluster in the Ikangba, Agoro axis of Odogbolu Local Government Area. Armed gunmen stormed the farm cluster and abducted a fish farmer, his worker and several women who had come to purchase fish. Witnesses reported that the attackers, estimated to be about six men, were armed with sophisticated weapons and fired gunshots to scare residents before whisking the victims away into nearby forests. The incident shocked the farming community and drew attention to the vulnerability of rural agricultural settlements in the state. N70 million According to reports from farmers’ associations, the kidnappers took the victims into a bush area located roughly two to three kilometres from the farm. The abductees were held for about five days while negotiations for ransom were conducted with their families. Eventually, the victims were released after a payment reportedly totaling N70 million, illustrating the large sums often demanded by kidnapping gangs operating in the region. The victims were later dropped along the Old Lagos, Benin Road, close to the farm cluster, after their release. The February abduction was not an isolated case. Sunday Vanguard learnt that several other incidents took place in the same corridor, suggesting a pattern of criminal activity in the area. For instance, a fish farmer in Ijebu Igbo was reportedly kidnapped and killed despite the payment of a ransom of about N15 million. In another case, a poultry farmer in Iperin village was abducted and later released only after his family paid approximately N50 million to his captors. In Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, six Lagos-based real estate marketers were abducted at Oyebola village while inspecting property, prompting police-led rescue efforts. Rural forested corridors around Ijebu-Ode and Odogbolu, as well as stretches of the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode and Lagos–Ibadan Expressways, are known hideouts and high-risk zones for kidnappers and armed robbers. These incidents demonstrate the growing trend of targeting farmers and agribusiness operators for ransom payments. It is believed that the geography of Ogun State makes it attractive to criminal groups. The state shares boundaries with several other states and the Republic of Benin, while its network of highways, including routes linking Lagos to other parts of the country, provides mobility for both legitimate commerce and criminal operations. In addition, rural communities across Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu and neighbouring local government areas are surrounded by forests that provide convenient hideouts for kidnappers. In response to the growing concerns, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to strengthen security measures across vulnerable areas. He emphasised collaboration with federal security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, particularly through enhanced patrols and intelligence gathering operations. Farmers’ groups have additionally called on government to clear and monitor forests along the Old Lagos, Benin Road and other rural corridors believed to harbour criminal camps. Ekiti: Given its boundaries with Kogi and Kwara states, Ekiti appears to be at the receiving end of the insecurity in both states. Cases of attacks by suspected herders are common. Farmers and travellers in border areas are mostly affected in the incidents that have resulted in loss of lives. Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen had abducted five women in Erinmope-Ekiti, located in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after reportedly invading the community on January 24 and firing sporadically before whisking the victims away. The abducted women were identified as Kehinde Mahmud, Adijat Hussein, Hawau Suleiman, Fatima Mahmud and Fatima Muhammadu. Reports indicate that among them were a nursing mother and a woman who was nine months pregnant at the time of the incident. According to family members, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims but after efforts by relatives and friends, a sum of N10 million was eventually raised in an attempt to secure their freedom. Two family members, Ibrahim Soliu and Mohammad Soliu, later volunteered to deliver the ransom to the abductors but the kidnappers reportedly directed them to different locations, including Orun Ago in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and later Idofin in Oke Ero Local Government Area. However, instead of releasing the abducted women after the money was delivered, the kidnappers allegedly rejected the N10 million and detained the two men, bringing the total number of captives to seven. The abductors were said to have subsequently increased their ransom demand to N30 million. Speaking with journalists, head of the family, Alhaji Muhammed Saliu Okanlawon, said the attackers struck while male members of the household were observing prayers at a mosque. He explained that security agencies, including the police, civil defence corps and local security outfits, were alerted shortly after the incident and began a search operation, but the perpetrators were not immediately tracked. Sadly, one of the women abducted, Hawau Suleiman, died in captivity due to exhaustion from trekking long distances without food or water while six others were released after a ransom of N25 million was paid. Meanwhile, another kidnapping incident reported in Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State generated controversy following claims that abductors demanded female virgins as ransom. The chairman of the council, Michael Ogungbemi, dismissed the reports as false, stating that the victims involved in the incident had already been released. He explained that the abducted persons were cattle merchants travelling from Irele to Oke-Ako when they were attacked at about 9:30 p.m. During the incident, the mother of one of the victims sustained serious injuries and was later retrieved in a weakened condition but died shortly afterwards. The development has raised security concerns across several communities in the area, including Itapaji, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele, Ijowa and Ipao. North in Ekiti North Senatorial District, including Ikole and Oye Local Government areas. Armed criminal gangs operating from surrounding forests have been linked to a wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in communities such as Oke Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero, and Ijowa, forcing farmers to abandon their farms and residents to live in fear. In a particularly disturbing incident in late February 2026 around the Ajoni area, a middle aged woman was abducted, allegedly raped, killed, and her captors demanded an unusual ransom that included cash and illicit substances before releasing her remains. Attempts to deliver ransom reportedly led to further abductions of would be negotiators. Mummy Isaac The forests along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border corridor have been cited as operational bases that complicate security responses, and community leaders have reported attacks on farmers in the Irele axis, including the killing of an elderly woman locally known as “Mummy Isaac.” In addition to violence linked to criminal gangs, security operations have made arrests to prevent incursions from neighbouring regions. In late January 2026, the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps arrested 16 suspected bandits in Gede Farm settlement in Isan Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, who were allegedly planning to enter Ekiti State from Kwara State. They were handed over to the Ekiti State Police Command for further investigation. Community members in Irele and Ijowa also reported that attackers killed an elderly woman and abducted several residents during sustained attacks over several days, with ransom demands made to families before bodies were released. These incidents have drawn concern from national lawmakers, leading the House of Representatives to call for intensified joint security operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and other agencies to dismantle criminal camps and restore safety within affected rural communities.