Residents Panic as Kidnapping Cases Surge in Ibadan
Residents of some of Ibadan’s highbrow neighbourhoods, including Bodija Housing Estate, Akobo and Agodi GRA, have been thrown into panic following a surge in kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in the areas.
The development followed an “Urgent Safety Alert” issued on Friday by the Police Community Relations Council (PCRC), warning residents of increased criminal activities targeting the affluent communities.
In the statement titled *“Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery,”* the PCRC attributed the spate of incidents to the growing quest for “quick wealth” among criminal elements, noting that residents of high-value zones were being deliberately targeted.
The alert confirmed that the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division has been placed on high alert following reports of residential breaches and street abductions, which reportedly increased in the first week of January.
Residents of Bodija were said to be living in fear, with many now avoiding evening outings and non-essential movements due to security concerns.
The PCRC, in collaboration with the Community Policing Unit, released emergency helplines and urged residents to promptly report any suspicious movements, particularly around the Agbowo and Bashorun corridors.
The council also cautioned residents against using poorly lit streets at night and advised strict vetting of domestic staff, noting that some of the crimes were allegedly aided by insider information.
The latest panic comes weeks after the Oyo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, announced the arrest of 66 suspected criminals in late 2025, including 43 armed robbery suspects and 23 alleged kidnappers. However, the recent spike in incidents suggests the emergence of new criminal cells.
The PCRC stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and called on residents to abandon the “mind your business” attitude often associated with estate living.
As part of immediate measures, the council said motorized patrols have been intensified, while residents were advised to ensure that their CCTV systems are functional and properly positioned to monitor public access points.
Emergency contact numbers, including that of the Bodija Divisional Police Officer (08052046348) and the PCRC helpline (07068874553), have been widely circulated on community platforms to ensure rapid response to distress calls.
In Akobo and Agodi GRA, some business owners have reportedly adjusted their closing hours to as early as 7:00 p.m. to safeguard staff and customers. The development has begun to affect the hospitality and nightlife economy in the areas, which has witnessed a noticeable decline in activity over the past 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the police have assured residents that additional tactical assets will be deployed to curb the situation. Until the security threat is neutralised, residents have been advised to limit night movements and adopt a low-profile lifestyle.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
