By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Youths in Ora-Igbomina, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, have called on the Federal and Osun State governments to strengthen security in the community following recurring kidnapping incidents.

The appeal comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified the area as a flashpoint ahead of the August governorship election in the state.

The Federal Government had also deployed military personnel to the community, which shares boundaries with Kwara and Ekiti states, to curb criminal activities along the border.

In a statement issued by the Ora-Igbomina Youths Frontline and signed by its Coordinator, Ayanyinka Olusanjo, and Public Relations Officer, Adedapo Emmanuel, the group urged authorities to address the security challenges on a sustained basis rather than only during election periods.

The youths said they welcomed INEC’s assessment of electoral risks but expressed concern that the security situation in the community had only received heightened official attention in the run-up to the governorship election.

According to the group, residents, youth organisations and community leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about kidnapping incidents since the first reported case last year and have continued to call for stronger security interventions.

They urged the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel, intelligence assets and operational resources to safeguard Ora-Igbomina and neighbouring communities.

The group also appealed to the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and restore lasting peace to the area.

It stressed that the people of Ora-Igbomina deserve sustained protection and should enjoy their constitutional rights to life, security and dignity irrespective of the electoral calendar.

The youths maintained that a long-term security strategy would help reassure residents and support socio-economic activities in the community.