The Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria has alleged that victims abducted from schools in Esinele, Yamota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are being moved through thick forests in neighbouring states to evade security operatives.

The group also called on South-West governors to collaborate more closely in tackling banditry and kidnapping across the region.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Kamoru Okikiola, and National Public Relations Officer, Chief Olatunji, the organisation condemned the growing insecurity around forest reserves, schools and highways in the South-West.

Agbekoya further disclosed plans to activate traditional methods of security to help combat criminal activities in the region.

According to the statement, “The Southwest warriors, Agbekoya Farmers Society of Nigeria, is currently seeking approval from the Federal Government and South-West governors to assist security outfits in the region in stopping bandits and kidnappers operating in the South-West.

“The farmers’ group condemns the increasing wave of insecurity in communities around forest reserves, schools and highways.

“Our organisation has traditional weapons, not guns, and local charms to protect the entire South-West and also disarm bandits and kidnappers.

“Agbekoya farmers and security personnel can effectively protect South-West forest reserves, rural communities and schools without guns, just as our forefathers did many years ago.”

The group stressed the need for stronger regional coordination among South-West states, rather than operating independently.

“The South-West, as a region, needs to coordinate and restrategise, not as six separate states but as a united region. South-West governors should form a forum to agree on a joint approach.

“There should also be an intelligence-sharing platform among the states to exchange real-time alerts on movements, camps and attacks.

“We propose synergy between Agbekoya, local security outfits, the police and the military to create a joint security task force for rapid response across state borders,” the statement added.

Speaking on the abduction in Oyo State, Agbekoya said the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers had remained in captivity for over a week, heightening anxiety among affected families and residents.

The organisation stated: “Our intelligence reports and community sources indicate that the abducted children and teachers are being moved through thick forests in neighbouring states to evade security operatives.

“We appeal to the Oyo State governor and other South-West governors to involve Agbekoya farmers and our security personnel in the search for the abductees.” (Vanguard)

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