Local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised alarm over rising insecurity in rural communities, warning that suspected kidnappers have issued threats targeting schoolchildren.
The hunters said the latest development followed reports of threat letters allegedly circulated by armed groups, warning of planned abductions in several towns and villages within the area.
According to them, the situation has heightened fear among residents, coming just weeks after a petrol station manager was abducted in the area and later released after ransom was paid.
Speaking on a programme on Smash 88.1 FM, the Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in Odeda, identified as Festus Ogundairo, said insecurity in the area had become increasingly disturbing.
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He noted that the abduction incident occurred near a secondary school area, do where a filling station manager was kidnapped around 7 p.m. and released days later after payment of ransom.
Ogundairo said residents were now alarmed by alleged social media reports claiming that armed groups had issued direct threats to kidnap schoolchildren, naming specific communities within Odeda.
He added that security agencies had already begun efforts to prevent possible attacks, but stressed that more needed to be done to protect rural communities and schools.
The hunters’ leader called on the Ogun State government and security agencies to support local vigilantes with equipment and logistics, arguing that they are more familiar with the terrain and can assist in tackling banditry if properly equipped.
“We need guns and ammunition permitted by law, and motorcycles to patrol remote areas,” he said, insisting that improved collaboration between local hunters and formal security agencies would strengthen response efforts.
He further urged authorities to allow closer cooperation between vigilante groups and police in order to prevent attacks and improve security surveillance across vulnerable communities.
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