A socio-cultural group, Tiwa n Tiwa L’Osun Development Association has lent its voice to calls for concerted efforts aimed at tackling the rising cases of kidnapping across the South West of Nigeria and the need to be proactive before the disturbing menace becomes an intractable national crisis.
In a statement signed by the group’s founder and ex-Osun guber aspirant, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K Rad), while congratulating Nigerians on the June 12 anniversary and its total recognition by the Buhari administration, particularly charged the Southwest governors on the need to form a regional cohesion to curb the ugly trend which is engulfing the region.
The group advised the Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in particular to double security efforts in some identified red zones noted for notorious kidnapping and other nefarious activities in the state.
The statement reads in part: “In the past few months, the organised crime of kidnapping that seemed only a distant rumble has finally landed in the Southwest region of Nigeria in its most violent and cruel form.
“Events in the past one year have been extraordinary in a trend of worsening spectre.
In Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun states, incidents of kidnapping for ransom is eviscerating the region with lives lost, women raped and people deeply traumatized. We note with particular interest the situation in Osun State with emphasis on the following areas: Osun portion of the Akure-Ilesa expressway; Erinmo-Itawure-Eti Oni-Esa Oke axis; Iwo-Ede-Osogbo road; and Ibokun junction on Ilesa-Osogbo road.
“Those that fell victim during the kidnapping incidents that occurred in these areas included clergymen (from the Methodist Church, Osogbo), traditional rulers, university lecturers and several private individuals. There are authentic reports of rotten bodies found in the forests during searches as well as cars apparently belonging to unknown victims found abandoned on the roads.
“Evidently, this situation cannot be allowed to continue for a moment longer. We strongly believe that it is now time to rise as a people to confront and halt this cruel decimation, humiliation and affliction of our people. While we note that the rampaging criminal activity lends itself to a raft of political conspiracy theories, we want to remain on the track of the need to keep our people safe both in their homes and on the roads to earn their daily bread.
“We want to avoid distractions of interpretations and conjectures and focus on the act of crime and the direct and indirect means of taking the battle to the criminals. It should not matter if there is politics or sundry conspiracies involved, the matter at issue is that our people have to be defended and protected at this time against the havoc of kidnappers and other criminals of whatever colour.
“After a careful consideration and investigation of reported incidents and the means by which they were carried out, and while commending the Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on the recent step he reportedly took towards addressing this criminal activity in the State, we hereby recommend that the Governor and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly co-host an interactive session with the people of Osun State and the Press on the matter. This, we believe, will give authentic feed back with respect to other crimes unsuspected or un-profiled.
“We also call on the State government to ensure, as a matter of existential urgency, that a 30-meter setback along each of the roads in the aforementioned areas is cleared of all trees and undergrowth. This will make both ambush and escape harder for the criminals, just as it will give the security forces an advantage against the perpetrators of the dastardly acts. It will also enable potential victims to detect suspicious convergence along the roads and quickly plot an escape.
“The section of the Akure-Ilesa expressway should also be cleared of side bushes up to Owena, the boundary town between Osun and Ondo States.
“We equally call for an expanded stakeholders’ meeting comprising all elected officials in the State, selected opinion leaders, retired military service men and women, retired police officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders among others, with the aim of deliberating on setting up community-based task forces which are to work with the police authorities and other security operatives across the State.”
“Modern electronic means of surveillance like the use of drones with night vision capabilities, infestation of the forests with GPS-tagged minuscule listening devices, installation of observation cameras, etc should also be considered”.
“The forum will also need to consider means of coordinating the supply and flow of invaluable intelligence from people in each locality, particularly hunters and farmers all over the State. We call upon the state government to immediately set up means of collecting information and intelligence from local communities affected by this menace. Such means should make provision for discreet submissions for people who wish to remain unidentified.”
“While we make these recommendations to the government of Osun, we also call on Governors of other South Western States to rise up to this occasion by replicating the above suggestions in their various States”.
“An unsecured neighbourhood is a fertile breeding ground for insecurity in every home in the area. Upon all, we call on our people to rise to this challenge and rally to explore how to rein in these attacks and defend the peace and tranquility we have been blessed with for so long. One that has nurtured our development as a people since the end of the Kiriji War in 1893.” He concluded.
In a dazzling display of digital innovation, Tingo AI Radio—Africa’s first AI radio—hosted a meet and greet that brought together indigenous communities and tech enthusiasts in Lagos. The event showcased an array of mind-blowing robotic automations and AI-driven innovations designed to transform local industries. Live demonstrations featured robots assisting in tasks such as precision agriculture and digital storytelling that captured the cultural heritage of the community. “This event has opened our eyes to a new era of possibilities,” exclaimed community elder Mr. Babatunde. Engaging panel discussions provided insights into how AI can revolutionize education, commerce, and traditional crafts. Interactive booths allowed participants to experiment with digital technologies, while experts emphasized the importance of ethical innovation. Tingo AI Radio’s status as the first AI radio in Africa lent a visionary edge to the proceedings, underlining its role as a trailblazer in merging advanced media with indigenous traditions. The day concluded with a shared sense of optimism and determination to embrace future opportunities that will bridge the gap between heritage and technology. This landmark event has set the stage for ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering local communities through digital transformation.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have killed the abductors of Folashade Odumosu, the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this to Channels TV on Thursday morning, said the victim also regained her freedom on Wednesday.
The retired AIG’s wife was kidnapped last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in Arepo, Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Society Reporters learned that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, led the operation that rescued the retired AIG’s wife.
The kidnappers whisked the victim through a swampy area to an unknown destination after dragging her out of her SUV.
Giving an update on the matter, Adejobi said the operatives also recovered the ransom paid to the kidnappers as bait.
However, he refused to disclose the amount paid to the kidnappers or where exactly the victim was rescued.
The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayeroexpressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.
The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.
The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.
CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.
About HALO
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.
The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.
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