Traditional rulers operating under the Network of Kings from the Osun Countryside have denounced the renewed cases of kidnapping in Ora-Igbomina, a community situated along the boundaries of Osun, Kwara and Ekiti states.
The monarchs described the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, warning that the trend poses serious risks to residents and traditional institutions in the affected area.
Their position was contained in a joint statement signed by the President of the network, Oba Dr Adewale Ojarotade, the Alaa of Ila Ijesa; the Secretary, Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, the Olukotun of Ikotun; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Oba.
The statement was issued shortly after the royal delegation paid a condolence and solidarity visit to Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, and members of the community following recent attacks by suspected armed bandits.
According to the monarchs, the infiltration of criminal elements through border towns connecting Kwara and Ekiti states has heightened insecurity in Ora Igbomina and neighbouring settlements.
They noted that communities located along interstate boundaries are increasingly vulnerable, stressing that the situation requires urgent and coordinated security intervention.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ojarotade acknowledged the efforts of the Osun State Government and security agencies in working towards the release of two residents currently held in captivity.
He, however, called for a shift towards preventive strategies.
“We must move beyond reactive measures. Our rural communities, particularly border towns, require sustained security presence and intelligence-driven operations to prevent recurrence,” he said.
Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye echoed the concerns, raising the possibility that rescue operations could be undermined by internal compromise.
He alleged that the activities of the joint rescue team comprising the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Forest Guards, the Police, local vigilantes and the Department of State Services might be affected by suspected information leaks.
“There is a need for thorough internal scrutiny within the security framework to block any leakages and improve synergy among agencies,” Oba Okunoye stated.
In his remarks, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, Oba Adekanmi Abikoye, narrated the experiences of his community, noting that it had suffered two separate attacks within three months owing to its position as a border town.
He urged the authorities to consider establishing a military camp in the area, saying such a move would reinforce security and serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.
Providing details of the incidents, the monarch said Emmanuel Owolabi, a retired Customs officer who was abducted on his farmland on December 2025, regained his freedom after spending about a month in captivity.
However, he disclosed that two commercial farmers, Sunday Adeyeye and Sunday Adewumi, who were kidnapped from their residences on February , 2026, remained in captivity.
The delegation led by Oba Ojarotade included Oba Amuda Ajadi Adio, Oba Samuel Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Edigbon of Èdéwùsì Ila Orangun; Oba Sikiru Olagbaju Akintola, the Oluibeji of Bolorunduri-Ife; and Oba Bamidele Olufemi, the Owa Akinfin of Ikifin.
The traditional rulers also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with government authorities and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and restore stability across rural communities in Osun State and neighbouring regions.
