A wave of tension swept through Ilero Town in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen, which left a local farmer dead and two young women kidnapped.
The two women were reportedly abducted while working at an agro-products store within the town, sparking outrage among residents.
In the aftermath of the incident, aggrieved youths in the community staged a protest, calling for the immediate expulsion of Fulani herdsmen from the area. The protest was a direct response to what many residents perceive as a growing threat posed by herders and criminal elements operating under the guise of pastoralism.
The traditional ruler of the town, the Elero of Ilero Land, Oba Wasiu Oyedele, voiced his concern over the deteriorating security situation. He lamented the recent resurgence of attacks on farmers and the destruction of farmlands, stating that such incidents had shattered the peace the town had enjoyed in recent months.
Oba Oyedele emphasized that Ilero has always been hospitable to people of all ethnic backgrounds, urging all non-indigenous residents to respect the peace and values of the community.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, confirmed the tragic events and revealed that a strategic meeting had been held with youths and traditional leaders from the Kajola and Iwajowa axis to address the growing insecurity. The meeting, according to him, aimed to mediate tensions and build synergy among critical stakeholders in the region.
Commissioner Adenola disclosed that 11 suspects have so far been apprehended in connection with the attacks—seven for alleged involvement in the kidnapping of the women, and four for their suspected role in the farmer’s murder. He reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped women and prevent further violence.
“We are working hard and are hopeful that the two kidnapped victims will soon regain their freedom,” Adenola stated. “Our men have made significant progress; some suspects are already in custody, and we are closing in on the others.”
He added that additional personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping and Monitoring Units have been deployed to Ilero to reinforce security and restore public confidence. However, he cautioned the youths against staging further protests, warning that such gatherings could be exploited by criminal elements to worsen the situation.
“Protests will not solve the problem. Instead, we urge everyone to share credible intelligence with security agents so we can act swiftly and effectively,” he said.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Seriki Fulani of the area, Mr. Muhamud Yusuf, distanced law-abiding Fulani residents from the violence. He claimed that many of the attacks were being carried out by strange herders and criminals who were not known members of the local Fulani community. He further expressed willingness to collaborate with law enforcement and vigilante groups to identify and expel the criminal elements responsible for the unrest.
Commissioner Adenola concluded by stressing the need for closer cooperation between the police, community vigilantes, and traditional institutions to achieve lasting peace in the affected communities.