By Adeola Badru

Fear and anxiety have gripped many residents of Oyo State following a series of kidnapping incidents across the state, raising concerns about safety and freedom of movement.

The growing apprehension comes in the wake of the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as the kidnapping on Wednesday of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin children.

Checks by Vanguard on Thursday revealed a noticeable decline in human and vehicular activities in several usually busy parts of Ibadan and its environs, as residents remained cautious amid fears of further attacks by suspected kidnappers.

Many residents were observed staying indoors, while others limited their movements due to uncertainty about the security situation across the state.

Areas such as the National Institute for Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Mokola, Eleyele, Ijokodo, Sango and Agbowo were considerably less busy than usual, with many residents opting to remain at home.

A trader in Mokola, Mrs Yetunde Afolayan, said recent incidents had heightened fear among residents.

“We are all afraid. Every day we hear stories of kidnappings and attacks. People now think twice before leaving their homes, especially when they have to travel outside the city,” she said.

Similarly, a commercial driver, Mr Akeem Bello, lamented the worsening insecurity, noting that many passengers had become reluctant to embark on inter-city journeys.

“Business is no longer the same. Many passengers are scared of travelling, and drivers are equally worried because nobody knows where these criminals may strike next,” he said.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters and retired Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya, reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Odukoya said the government had intensified efforts to tackle insecurity and was working closely with security agencies to ensure those responsible for criminal activities were apprehended.

According to him, the recent incident in Oriire Local Government Area and other security challenges across the state had received the government’s full attention.

“The Oyo State Government is deeply concerned about the recent security incidents and is working tirelessly with all security agencies to ensure the safety of residents. We have intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance across vulnerable areas of the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde is not resting on his oars. He has directed all relevant security agencies to strengthen their operations, and we are confident that those behind these criminal acts will be apprehended and brought to justice,” Odukoya said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju, assured residents that operatives had intensified patrols and surveillance across the state.

He said the corps was collaborating closely with other security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Olayanju noted that strategic security measures had been put in place to prevent further attacks and improve responses to distress situations.

“Amotekun operatives have been placed on high alert across the state. We are collaborating with other security agencies to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place in Oyo State.

“We appeal to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. Security is a collective responsibility, and with the cooperation of the public, we will continue to tackle kidnapping and other crimes effectively,” he said.

The Amotekun commandant maintained that the state’s security architecture remained active and capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats.

Meanwhile, residents have called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end the growing menace of kidnapping and restore public confidence.

Many urged authorities to increase security presence along highways, in rural communities and at identified flashpoints to reassure citizens and deter criminal activities.