Ogbomoso Tragedy: Fayoyin Condemns Attack, Begs Yoruba Traditional Rulers To Defend Yorubaland

 

The Governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Ogun State. Amb Chief Olujobi Fayoyin has strongly condemned the continuous killings, kidnappings, and attacks on innocent Nigerians, describing the situation as unacceptable, heartbreaking, and a dangerous sign of national failure.

According to him, government at all levels must stop issuing mere statements after every tragedy and begin taking decisive actions capable of restoring confidence in public safety.

Fayoyin, who made the reservation while reacting to the attacks, said the protection of lives and properties remains the first responsibility of government and any government that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens must urgently review its security architecture.

The Governorship hopeful while sympathizing with the families of the victims, especially the relatives of the slain teacher and the abducted students, prayed that God will grants the deceased eternal rest and gives the affected families the strength to endure this painful moment.

He also expressed hope and faith that the kidnapped victims will return safely from captivity.

In his words, “Our hearts bleed for the innocent Nigerians who continue to suffer under this growing insecurity. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the grieving families and rescue those still in captivity. Nigeria cannot continue like this. Human life must become sacred again.”

“The recent wave of kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks across different parts of Nigeria has once again exposed the painful reality that many innocent citizens now live daily under fear, uncertainty, and helplessness.

“The heartbreaking reports surrounding the abduction of students and the gruesome killing of a teacher in the South-West have left many Nigerians shocked, traumatized, and emotionally devastated.

“No society should normalize the shedding of innocent blood. No parent should live in fear of sending their children to school, no teacher should lose his life while serving humanity and building the future of the nation.

“The disturbing videos and reports circulating across social media have further revealed the painful level of cruelty and insecurity currently threatening the peace of our country.

Fayoyin, however, called on Yoruba traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, and local security networks across Yorubaland to rise collectively in defense of the people.

According to him, the current security challenge requires unity, intelligence sharing, community vigilance, and stronger collaboration between local communities and formal security agencies.

Chief Fayoyin urged royal fathers across Ogun State and the South-West to strengthen local surveillance structures within their domains, noting that traditional institutions remain highly respected and influential within grassroots communities.

The Governorship aspirant stressed that communities must no longer ignore suspicious movements, strange settlements inside forests, or unidentified armed groups operating around villages and schools.

He also commended local security outfits including Amotekun, community vigilantes, hunters, and neighborhood watch groups for their sacrifices and encouraged them to intensify intelligence gathering, rural patrols, and rapid response operations in vulnerable communities.

Speaking on possible solutions to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, the NRM chieftain identified several urgent actions that must be implemented if the country truly wants to overcome banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and violent criminality.

According to him, Nigeria must urgently strengthen community policing and state-based security collaboration because criminals often exploit difficult terrains and weak intelligence coordination between federal and local authorities. He explained that security works better when local communities actively participate in protecting their environment.

He also called for improved border monitoring, modern surveillance technology, forest policing, and deployment of drones in high-risk rural corridors. 

According to him, many criminal groups currently take advantage of ungoverned forests and poorly monitored border communities to launch attacks and escape easily.

Chief Fayoyin further emphasized the need for proper welfare, equipment, and intelligence support for security operatives, stressing that under-equipped security agencies cannot effectively combat highly organized criminal networks.

On the issue of herders and violent attacks linked to armed groups, he maintained that genuine cattle business should never become a cover for criminality, adding that every criminal regardless of tribe, religion, or background must face the full weight of the law. 

The technocrat turned politician called for stronger enforcement against illegal weapons possession and criminal camps operating inside forests.

He also pointed out that unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, and weak educational opportunities continue to make many young people vulnerable to criminal recruitment. According to him, security cannot be separated from economic development, youth empowerment, and social stability.

Chief Fayoyin concluded by urging Nigerians not to remain silent in the face of growing insecurity, stating that citizens must continue demanding responsible leadership, justice, and effective governance from those in authority.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. The blood of innocent citizens must not become normal headlines. We must rise together as a people, strengthen our communities, support our security institutions, and demand a government that values human life above politics and power,” he stated.