Local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area have expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of Ogun State, warning of alleged threats by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in several communities.
The hunters said the latest alert comes about two weeks after a petrol station manager was abducted within the council area and later released following payment of ransom.
Speaking on a programme on a radio station in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in Odeda LGA, Festus Ogundairo, said residents were increasingly worried about the worsening security situation, according to a video report cited by SaharaReporters.
He noted that while insecurity was not limited to Odeda, recent incidents in the area had become particularly alarming. He explained that the kidnapped victim was a filling station manager abducted around 7 p.m. near a secondary school and was later released after ransom was paid.
Ogundairo further raised concern over reports allegedly circulating on social media, warning that armed groups had issued threats targeting schoolchildren in specific towns and villages within the local government area.
He said security operatives had already begun preventive measures to avert possible attacks.
The hunters’ leader also appealed to the Ogun State Government and security agencies to support local vigilantes with equipment and logistics, arguing that they are more familiar with the terrain and better positioned to assist in forest-based operations.
He requested access to permitted firearms, motorcycles for patrol, and closer collaboration with formal security agencies, stressing that such cooperation is essential to curb kidnappings and banditry in rural communities.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official response to the alleged threats against schools and surrounding communities.
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