Reps Demand Urgent Security Intervention Over Kidnappings In Ekiti

The House of Representatives has called for urgent security intervention following a wave of kidnappings and killings in parts of Ekiti State.

The Green chamber urged the federal government to deploy more security personnel and intensify operations in affected communities.

Lawmakers raised the alarm after a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by member representing Ekiti North 1, Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency,
Akintunde Rotimi at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rotimi highlighted a growing pattern of kidnappings and violent attacks across several communities,
including Oke-Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero and Ijowa in Ikole Local Government Area.

The Lawmaker told the House that criminal groups operating from nearby forests have been abducting residents, farmers and travelers along the Oke-Ako–Ipao–Irele corridor, creating widespread fear among local communities.

He cited a particularly disturbing case in February in which a woman was abducted, sexually assaulted and killed in the Ajoni area.

“The attackers reportedly demanded a ransom of 1.5 million naira along with illicit drugs before releasing her remains.”

According to the lawmaker, additional residents were abducted during attempts by community members to negotiate with the kidnappers.

He also said several farmers have been attacked on their farmlands in the Irele axis, including an elderly woman known locally as “Mummy Isaac,” who was reportedly killed.

The House noted that armed groups have occupied surrounding forests and rural routes in the area, using them as bases for attacks.

Lawmakers also warned that forests along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border corridor are increasingly being used as hideouts by criminal gangs, complicating security operations and allowing suspects to evade arrest.

It also asked the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate a joint operation involving security agencies to dismantle criminal camps in forests around the border areas.

The House mandated its committees on defence, army, police affairs and national security to engage relevant agencies and report back within four weeks.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace