The South-West Security Stakeholders Group has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of victims recently abducted in parts of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the group expressed concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings, warning that the situation is creating fear and insecurity across affected communities.
The appeal follows the abduction of Kuburat Omowumi and her son in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area, on June 16, as well as the kidnapping of 42 pupils and education workers from three schools in Ogbomoso on May 15.
The coalition, which comprises 14 security-focused organisations, including the Oodua People’s Congress, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, the Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria, and other community-based security groups, urged authorities to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
The group described the kidnapping of schoolchildren as a particularly disturbing development, saying it has disrupted education and left families and communities traumatised.
According to the coalition, the recent incidents highlight broader security challenges confronting the South-West, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal clashes, all of which are affecting economic activities, education, and social stability.
The group called for a comprehensive regional security strategy built on stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, intelligence sharing, and closer cooperation with grassroots security organisations.
It also urged governments to address underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social marginalisation.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government and security agencies say efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing, adding that operational details are being handled cautiously to avoid compromising rescue operations.
