Igboho has faulted continued insecurity in parts of Oyo State, warning that failure by authorities to protect residents may force him to return home.
Growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State have resurfaced following the killing of two residents in Igboho town, an incident that has drawn sharp criticism from Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho.
The development has once again highlighted persistent security challenges facing rural communities in the South-West.
The killings reportedly occurred in the Oke-Ogun axis, a largely agrarian region that has, in recent years, witnessed repeated cases of violent attacks, farm invasions, and kidnappings.
Residents say fear has become part of daily life, with many avoiding movement at night and others abandoning farmlands that once served as their primary source of livelihood.
Reacting to the incident, Igboho described the deaths as tragic but unsurprising, arguing that they reflect years of unresolved insecurity.
He maintained that warnings issued to authorities over recurring violence in Yoruba communities have largely been ignored, allowing criminal elements to operate with little resistance.
According to him, the latest attack reinforces concerns he has raised repeatedly over the safety of indigenous people in the area.
He noted that despite public outcry and appeals to both state and federal authorities, little has changed in terms of effective protection for vulnerable communities.
Local sources confirmed that the two victims were attacked under circumstances that have left residents shaken.
Community leaders say the absence of sustained security patrols has made it difficult to deter armed groups, while response time during emergencies remains a major concern.
In a statement circulated after the incident, Igboho accused the government of failing in its fundamental responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
He argued that insecurity has become so entrenched that many families now live in constant fear, unsure of when the next attack might occur.
He also lamented the displacement of residents from their ancestral homes, saying several people have relocated to nearby towns or cities after repeated threats.
According to him, this pattern not only disrupts family structures but also undermines local economies that depend heavily on farming and small-scale trade.
Calling for urgent intervention, Igboho urged authorities to move beyond statements and deploy concrete measures capable of restoring confidence among residents.
He stressed the need for increased security presence, intelligence-driven operations, and the swift arrest of those responsible for recent attacks.
The activist warned that continued inaction could provoke deeper frustration within affected communities.
He said citizens should not be forced to rely on self-help measures for survival in a country where security is a constitutional duty of government.
In a more personal warning, Igboho stated that he may be compelled to return home if killings persist unchecked.
While he did not specify how such a move would unfold, the statement reflects growing anger among residents who believe their plight has been overlooked for too long.
Security experts note that the situation in Oke-Ogun is not unique, pointing out that similar challenges exist across rural Nigeria.
They argue that poor surveillance, limited manpower, and difficult terrain often give armed groups an advantage, making sustained security operations essential.
Community stakeholders have also weighed in, calling on the Oyo State Government to prioritise rural safety.
Youth leaders and traditional figures in the area say restoring peace will require collaboration between security agencies and local communities, particularly in intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
Meanwhile, the incident has heightened tension across neighbouring towns, with residents demanding justice for the victims.
Many say a decisive response from authorities would go a long way in preventing reprisal attacks and restoring a sense of normalcy.
As discussions around security continue, observers believe the government’s response to the Igboho killings will serve as a test of its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
For residents of the area, the expectation remains clear: an end to violence, accountability for offenders, and lasting peace.
