Olubadan seeks tighter security around Old Oyo National Park following Oriire incident

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to strengthen security in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park following the recent rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Ladoja said improved security around the national park and neighbouring communities was necessary to prevent a recurrence of the mass abduction that saw 39 pupils and seven teachers held captive for 57 days before they regained their freedom.

The monarch made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday through his media aide, Adeola Oloko, stressing that authorities should take proactive steps to ensure criminal elements no longer use the area as a hideout for kidnapping and other crimes.

He described the rescue of the victims as a major achievement for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and commended security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the captives without reported concessions to the kidnappers.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, noted that the successful operation should be followed by sustained security measures in communities sharing boundaries with the Old Oyo National Park, which has repeatedly been linked to security concerns in the state.

The traditional ruler also called on the government to provide proper rehabilitation and support for the rescued pupils and teachers, saying victims of prolonged captivity require adequate care to recover from the experience.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Reports indicated that they were held within the forest around the Old Oyo National Park before security operatives rescued them after nearly two months in captivity.

Ladoja expressed optimism that stronger security around the park and continued collaboration between government, security agencies and local communities would help improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.