- As Business Owners In Highbrow Areas Close Early
- Police, Local Security Beef Up Action, Urges Civic Cooperation
Oyo State has been hit by a rising tide of insecurity over the past three weeks, marked by deadly attacks, kidnapping incidents and alarming threat messages.
According to trending reports, residents and officials have described the situation as unprecedented in recent memory.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the most severe out of the raging violence was recorded on January 6, when suspected bandits attacked the National Forest Rangers’ Office in Oloka village, Oriire Local Government Area, killing five forest guards in a nighttime assault.
The Oyo State Police Command later confirmed the attack and launched an intensive manhunt for the assailants, deploying tactical teams and intelligence operatives to track them down.
Just days after the deadly park attack, threat letters allegedly from suspected bandits were found in Ikoyi-Ile town, warning of a planned assault on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The handwritten notes written in both Yoruba and English has triggered widespread panic, prompting the police to beef up security and launch a full-scale investigation into the origin and intent of the messages.
Security forces have since responded with 24-hour patrols, stop-and-search operations and reinforced deployments in affected areas, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said, describing the situation as “serious but under control” while urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.
In Oloka village, many families have deserted their homes out of fear of further violence, with sources describing deserted streets and locked homes as commercial life grinds to a halt.
“We have never seen violence like this here before. People are scared and unsure when it will end,” one resident said.
The insecurity trend in Oyo is not limited to these recent events. In December 2025, a prominent political chieftain was abducted by suspected gunmen in Ibadan, illustrating how the threat of kidnapping is extending into urban centers as well.
- As Business Owners In Highbrow Areas Close Early
Business owners around Akobo, Bodija and Agodi GRA in Ibadan, the state capital, among others have reportedly adjusted their closing hours to as early as 7:00 p.m. to safeguard staff and customers.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that 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 96 hours.
On Friday, the Police Community Relations Council (PCRC) issued an ‘Urgent Safety Alert’, 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.
- Police, Local Security Beef Up Action, Urges Civic Cooperation
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command have assured residents that additional tactical assets will be deployed to curb the situation.
The command said until the security threat is neutralised, residents have been advised to limit night movements and adopt a low-profile lifestyle.
DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command’s PPRO in a statement over the weekend said the handwritten note, which was allegedly dropped in front of a residential building, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community, is currently being investigated.
Ayanlade stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna immediately activated the command’s intelligence, tactical, and operational response architecture.
He said the State Intelligence Department (SID), in close collaboration with tactical units, was directed to commence intensive debriefing of all persons connected with the discovery of the note, while operational assets were promptly deployed and repositioned within Ikoyi-Ile and its surrounding communities.
“As part of deliberate and visible security actions, armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area domination have been significantly reinforced.
“Police personnel are currently on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situation.
“The Area Command has equally been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.” the statement reads.
He further disclosed that the command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that every lead is being pursued, and no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind this threat and ensuring that any individuals or groups found responsible are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” the spokesman stated.
The command reassured the good people of Ikoyi-Ile and residents across Oyo State that there is no cause for panic and encouraged the public to go about their lawful daily activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious.
The command urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities through the nearest police station, security post, or established emergency channels, noting that timely information remains critical to preventive policing.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while condemning the attacks in strong terms, has called for enhanced cooperation between security agencies and local communities to prevent further loss of life.
“We will pursue every perpetrator of these heinous crimes and ensure the safety of our people,” he said in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Security analysts, however, warn that without sustained and coordinated operations addressing root causes such as criminal networks and weak rural security infrastructure, Oyo’s insecurity crisis could deteriorate further.
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.
