Hunters Raise Alarm Over Alleged Threat To Abduct Schoolchildren In Ogun Communities
Local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised concerns over growing insecurity in parts of the state following alleged threats by suspected bandits to kidnap schoolchildren in several communities.
The development reportedly comes weeks after a filling station manager was abducted within the council area and later released after a ransom payment.
Speaking during a radio programme in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in Odeda LGA, Festus Ogundairo, said residents were becoming increasingly worried over reports of planned attacks targeting schools and rural communities.
According to him, intelligence circulating within the area suggested that armed groups had allegedly sent warning messages threatening to invade some communities and abduct students.
Ogundairo stated that the recent security concerns have heightened tension among residents of towns within Odeda and neighbouring communities.
He recalled that a petrol station manager was abducted around the area near a secondary school in the local government some weeks ago before regaining freedom after ransom was reportedly paid.
The hunters’ leader said local security groups and other operatives had already intensified surveillance and patrol efforts to prevent possible attacks and protect residents.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government and security agencies to provide local hunters with better logistics, firearms legally permitted for their operations, and motorcycles to improve patrol activities, especially in forests and remote areas.
Ogundairo maintained that local hunters possess better knowledge of the terrain and can effectively support conventional security agencies in combating kidnappings and banditry across rural communities.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between vigilante groups, hunters, and security agencies to tackle rising insecurity in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security authorities regarding the alleged threats against schools and communities in the affected areas.
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