The Oyo State Government has expressed concerns over a series of kidnapping incidents involving residents, with Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, questioning whether the attacks are part of an organised attempt to destabilise the state. This comes after reports of the alleged abduction of 18 Oyo residents travelling from Sokoto State. Oyelade described the reported incident as the third unusual kidnapping case involving Oyo residents within four months.
However, the report that 18 students of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, were abducted has been disputed. The Sokoto State Government and the management of the college said no student of the institution was kidnapped. Instead, they stated that Halima Sokeni, a former student of Gamji College of Nursing Sciences, who graduated as a midwife in September, was travelling home on October 1 when she and other passengers were reportedly abducted in Niger State.
The Niger State Police Command was also reported to be unaware of the alleged incident at the time of initial reports. Despite the conflicting reports, Oyelade said the state government remained concerned about what he described as a disturbing pattern of attacks involving its residents. He noted that the latest report came shortly after the submission of the report of the judicial panel set up to investigate the May 15 abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The commissioner said two major kidnapping incidents had occurred since the submission of the panel’s report, prompting the government to question whether the attacks were merely coincidental. Oyelade stressed that residents deserved to know who was behind the attacks and why the state appeared to be facing renewed security concerns. The government is working with relevant authorities to protect residents and uncover the truth behind the kidnappings.
The Oyo State Government is taking the security situation seriously and will continue to pay attention to emerging threats. Oyelade said the state government would work with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of residents. The government is also questioning whether the incidents could be linked to an organised effort to undermine the state, particularly its citizens’ freedom, education, and participation in public life.
Authorities and institutions involved have urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations and clarification continue. The conflicting accounts surrounding the reported Sokoto-to-Oyo abduction mean that the claim of 18 students being kidnapped cannot currently be established as fact. The public has been advised to be cautious and wait for official updates on the situation.
The Oyo State Government's concerns over the kidnapping incidents come at a time when the state is grappling with security challenges. The government has set up a judicial panel to investigate previous abductions and is working to prevent future incidents. The authorities have assured residents that they are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- Oyo State government raises concerns over series of kidnappings involving residents.
- The government questions whether the attacks are part of an organised attempt to destabilise the state.
- Conflicting reports surround the alleged abduction of 18 students in Sokoto State.
