Olubadan urges Tinubu to sustain security presence in Kwara-Niger forest

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged President Bola Tinubu to maintain a strong security presence in the forest corridor linking Oyo, Kwara and Niger states to prevent kidnappers from regrouping after the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Ladoja made the appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the President at the State House in Abuja, where he led a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State.

The monarch said the operation that secured the release of the victims without the payment of ransom had dealt a major blow to kidnapping, but warned that sustained military and security deployments were needed to consolidate the gains.

“You have been able to send away all the kidnappers but please let us have the presence of the security agencies there so that they do not regather,” Ladoja said.

He explained that the forest stretches from Iseyin through Igboho and Kishi into Kwara and Niger states, describing it as a strategic corridor that must remain under constant surveillance.

“The forest extends from Iseyin through Igboho and Kishi into Kwara and Niger states,” he said, adding that securing the area would significantly improve safety across Oyo State.

Ladoja also commended Tinubu and the security agencies for rescuing the abductees, saying the operation had changed public perception of the government’s response to kidnapping.

“When we heard about the incident, we were apprehensive. But we have now found that between you and your security people, which I must thank them through you, you have made a turning point in the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria,” he said.

The monarch noted that many residents had feared the abduction could become another prolonged national tragedy.