Oyo State Government Raises Alarm on Kidnapping Surge

The Oyo State government has expressed alarm over a rise in unusual kidnapping cases, as stated by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement to journalists in Ibadan. He noted that this marks the third occurrence in four months, raising questions about whether the state is being targeted or under an organized siege.

Oyelade referenced a significant incident on May 15, when students and teachers from Oriire Local Government were abducted and held for 56 days. In response to the situation, Governor Seyi Makinde established a Judicial Panel of Inquiry on July 31, led by Justice Mojeed, which submitted its report last week.

Since the report's submission, two additional serial kidnapping attacks have occurred in Oyo State, prompting Oyelade to question the timing and whether it is merely coincidental.