By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, called for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating security crisis in the Oke-Ogun region, following a spate of deadly attacks by suspected armed bandits along the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti roads.
The resolution was reached following a motion on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, jointly sponsored by the Minority Leader and member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo state constituency, Hon. Waliu Salami, and his Oorelope state constituency counterpart, Hon. Luqman Jimoh.
During the plenary, the lawmakers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, emphasizing that the recurring incidents underscore an urgent need to re-evaluate and fortify the state’s security architecture.
The Assembly noted with concern that within three plenary sessions between June 3 and June 9, 2026, members had raised several security-related motions—a trend they described as a clear signal that the status quo is no longer tenable.
The lawmakers drew particular attention to the tragic incident of June 12, 2026, where bandits ambushed travellers along the Kishi-Igbeti road. The attack claimed the life of Mr. Moshood Kayode, a staff member of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and left several others hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries.
Barely 24 hours later, another attack was reported along the Igboho-Igbeti road. These incidents, the House noted, have spread palpable fear among residents, farmers, traders, and investors in the area.
Furthermore, the Assembly raised alarms regarding the surge in criminal activities, including kidnapping and killings, within the forest corridors surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.
Calls for Intervention
While the House commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his sustained support to security agencies through the provision of logistics and patrol vehicles, as well as the efforts of the police, military, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters, they stressed that more proactive measures are required.
Consequently, the House urged Governor Makinde to: Provide additional funding and logistical support to Irepo, Olorunsogo, and Oorelope local government areas to boost the operations of Amotekun, vigilante groups, and hunters.
Direct the Executive Assistant on Security to facilitate the establishment of additional checkpoints and increase patrol frequency along the Kishi-Igbeti and Igboho-Igbeti routes.
Coordinate with relevant agencies to clear bushes along major roads within forest corridors to eliminate hideouts for criminal elements.
Oversight and Strategy
To ensure compliance, the Assembly directed its Committee on Security and Strategy to conduct an immediate on-the-spot assessment of Kishi-Igbeti, Igboho-Kishi, and other identified flashpoints, including areas within Oriire Local Government Area.
Additionally, a mandate was issued for the Committees on Security and Strategy, Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours, and Environment, Water Resources and Ecology to interface with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, alongside security chiefs, to develop a comprehensive response strategy.
The House further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the general public to maintain their support for security agencies through intelligence gathering and community-led vigilance.
