Residents of Omugo community in Oro-Ago district of Ifelodun Local Government Area have raised alarm over what they describe as the complete abandonment of the area following repeated attacks by bandits and suspected terrorists.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, representatives of the community said many indigenes have fled their homes due to persistent insecurity, leaving the once-thriving settlement largely deserted.
The community leaders also appealed for the urgent rescue of eight worshippers abducted on March 22, 2026, describing the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks in recent months.
Leading the delegation were the Coordinator and Secretary of the Concerned Citizens of Omugo, Balogun Oladiran Johnson and Adeniyi Olasunkanmi, who revealed that the latest abduction marked the third such incident within six months.
“The shadow of terror has fallen upon our land repeatedly,” they said, adding that information from contacts with the abductors indicated an initial ransom demand of N1 billion, later reduced to N150 million, an amount they described as far beyond the reach of the victims’ families and the community.
The representatives stressed that the deteriorating security situation requires urgent and coordinated intervention, noting that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of the government.
They called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, Kwara State Government, local authorities, and security agencies to immediately launch an intelligence-driven rescue operation to secure the safe and unconditional release of the abducted victims.
According to them, “The circumstances surrounding the abduction demand swift, decisive, and sustained action to restore safety, confidence, and dignity to the people.”
The appeal highlights growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara State, as communities continue to grapple with rising incidents of kidnapping and armed violence.
