The traditional rulers under the aegis of the Network of Kings from the Osun Countryside have raised alarm over the recurring abduction of residents of Ora Igbomina, a border community between Osun and Kwara/Ekiti states, describing the development as a serious threat to lives and livelihoods.
The royal fathers made their position known in a joint statement issued shortly after a sympathy visit to the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, Oba Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye, and members of his community.
The statement was jointly 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 Board of Trustees Chairman, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Iba.
The royal fathers condemned what they described as the “infiltration of armed bandits” from neighboring border towns in Kwara and Ekiti states, noting that communities sharing boundaries with other states have become increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ojarotade commended the Osun State Government for efforts made so far to secure the release of two victims currently in captivity. However, he stressed the need for more proactive and grassroots-focused security measures to prevent further occurrences.
“We appreciate the steps taken by the government, but more must be done to fortify our border communities and forest areas against criminal elements,” he said.
Corroborating his remarks, Oba Professor Adekunle Okunoye, the Eburu of Iba, alleged possible sabotage of ongoing rescue operations. He expressed concern that the efforts of security operatives, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Forest Guards, Police, local vigilantes, and the Department of State Services (DSS), might be compromised by suspected informants working against the rescue mission.
Responding, the Asaooni of Ora Igbomina, Oba Adekanmi Abikoye, lamented that his domain had suffered two bandit attacks within three months, attributing the recurring incidents to the town’s strategic location as a border community.
He advocated for the establishment of a military camp in the area to strengthen security presence and deter criminal activities.
According to the monarch, Prince Titilayo Owolabi, a retired Customs officer, was abducted on on December 15, 2026, but regained his freedom after spending about a month in captivity. Again, two commercial farmers, Mr. Sunday Adeyeye and Mr. Sunday Adewumi, who were abducted from their homes on February 1, remain in captivity.
The royal entourage during the visit included Oba Samuel Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Edigbon of Èdémosì Ila Orangun; Oba Sikiru Olagbaju Akintola, the Oluibeji of Bolorunduro-Ife; and Oba Bamidele Olufemi, the Owa Akinfin of Ikifin.
The traditional rulers called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify surveillance across border communities and collaborate with local stakeholders to stem the tide of kidnappings, warning that continued attacks could further destabilize agrarian settlements and threaten food security in the region.
