Tension is rising across the South West following a wave of deadly attacks and abductions blamed on suspected terrorists, raising fears that insurgents from the North East may have infiltrated Yorubaland.
In recent weeks, communities in Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti states have reported coordinated assaults on residents, schools, and worship centers. On April 18, gunmen invaded an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
On May 12, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that three members of a family were kidnapped by suspected terrorists at Ipojo Golden Estate in Ijebu Ode. Days later, security operatives in Oyo State disrupted a N10 million ransom collection operation by a suspected kidnapping gang in Otefon Village Forest, Atiba Local Government Area.
The most alarming incident occurred on May 15, when gunmen on motorbikes attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso, Oriire Local Government Area. Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School were targeted. At least two people were killed and over 30 students and teachers abducted.
A video released on May 17 showed the assailants beheading one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun. The remaining victims have spent more than 10 days in captivity, with families expressing growing concern as the rainy season makes forest rescues more difficult.
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The Oyo State Police Command said several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks. Police spokesperson Olayinka Olushola confirmed that eight people were in custody as of Thursday, with more arrests made on Friday. He said profiling is ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement.
The attacks have heightened fear in Lagos, with residents and security officials on alert. Security has been increased around schools, worship centers, and public spaces across the state. Resident Monica Agwu said people are worried about the proximity of Oyo to Lagos, noting that “if they are attacking in Oyo, I don’t think Lagos State is safe.”
Social critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, also warned that the attackers may already be close to Lagos. He claimed the gunmen were positioning themselves for a possible strike on the city.
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson SP Ambimbola Adebisi said measures have been put in place to ensure residents’ safety, but gave no further details.
Security expert Stanley Abiodun said the creation of state police remains the only realistic solution to the growing threat. He argued that local officers understand the terrain and community dynamics better than officers posted from other regions, making them more effective at identifying and stopping criminal activity.
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